Delhi's hot air balloon plans meet with skepticism, memes online: 'Be the first to breathe toxic air'

While some social media users reacted to the development with humour, others Beyond humour, flagged operational and regulatory concerns. (Image credit: X)

Delhi’s announcement of hot air balloon rides at Baansera Park has sparked a wave of reactions online, ranging from biting sarcasm to serious concerns about safety and air quality. The initiative, unveiled by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena after successful trials on Tuesday, promises residents a “unique view of the Yamuna floodplains.”

Flights will take visitors 100–150 feet above ground for 7–12 minutes, with plans to expand the service to other riverfront locations. Tickets are priced at Rs 3,000 plus taxes per person. Officials say the rides will follow strict safety norms and weather checks, but social media users are not convinced.

People coming back from hot air balloon ride in delhi https://t.co/S54Te1Utj5 pic.twitter.com/Kbe7gYp4AQ

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— Amil Bhatnagar (@AmilwithanL) November 26, 2025

Memes and reality checks 

While the Delhi Development Authority pitched the rides as part of a broader plan to activate the Yamuna riverfront with eco-friendly attractions, users were quick to point out the irony of promoting an “air safari” in a city battling hazardous air quality.

One X user wrote: “Delhi development authority is launching balloon rides. So that you can go up and be the first to breathe the toxic air.” Another quipped: “Delhi gov: Horrible AQI. Froth over Yamuna? No problem. Let’s start a hot air balloon ride instead!!”

“At a consistent reading of over 300 AQI (‘very poor’), to be posting about a hot air balloon ride – an ‘air safari’ – is remarkable," wrote another X user. "Perhaps there is no need any more for even performative comments about the state of Delhi’s air and the lack of action or solutions.”

Delhi gov: Horrible AQI. Froth over Yamuna? No problem.

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Let’s start a hot air balloon ride instead!!

Do you know that hot air balloon instructors should be certified by the country’s civil aviation ministry?

Weather conditions: Should be lowest wind speed, approx less than 5… pic.twitter.com/BDAESAX54e

— Milann Desai (@Milan_reports) November 26, 2025

Concerns about safety and certification

Beyond humour, several posts flagged operational and regulatory concerns. Some users pointed out that balloon pilots must be certified by the civil aviation ministry, and rides should only operate under ideal conditions. “Weather conditions: Should be the lowest wind speed, approximately less than 5 km/hour. Sometimes rides will need to be cancelled as per Western disturbances," commented one X user. Others stressed that flights should ideally take place early in the morning before sunrise for safety.