Delhi set to launch hot air balloon rides at 4 scenic locations – All you need to know

Delhi set to launch hot air balloon rides at 4 scenic locations – All you need to know (Representative Image: Canva)

In an unexpected but welcome move, Delhi is preparing to offer residents and tourists a rare experience—hot air balloon rides above the city. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has officially signed on a private operator to launch the service, with a tentative timeline of two months before liftoff. The initiative is part of a larger campaign to breathe new life into Delhi’s underutilised riverfront and open recreational spaces.

After a period of detailed evaluations and logistical assessments, four locations have been earmarked for the debut of this adventure activity. These include the Yamuna Sports Complex in Surajmal Vihar, the Commonwealth Games Sports Complex near Akshardham, and two verdant riverbank locations—Asita and Baansera Bamboo Park. Each of these sites was chosen for its accessibility, generous open area, and unobstructed views of the capital’s diverse skyline.

According to DDA officials, balloon rides will be tethered, meaning they will remain anchored to the ground while allowing passengers to rise to a fixed altitude—thus ensuring both safety and operational control. Approximately 3,600 square metres at each site have been allocated to accommodate the necessary infrastructure for the activity.

"This project will promote eco-tourism and recreational activities and provide a unique aerial perspective of the national capital and its landscape. The entire concept has been visualised under the guidance and supervision of Lt Governor VK Saxena," a statement from the DDA, added as reported by PTI.

The hot air balloon operations will be handled by a private agency under a revenue-sharing arrangement. While ticket prices will be set by the operator, the DDA has required that the cost stays within reasonable limits to keep it accessible to the public. Advertising on the balloons will be allowed, providing the agency with an extra source of revenue.

Rides will be offered during a daily four-hour period, likely in the early morning and late afternoon to take advantage of the best weather. The contract for operating the balloons will initially last three years, with the chance for an extension of up to nine years based on how well it performs and how the public responds.

Overall, the hot air balloon project is part of a larger plan to redesign the Yamuna riverfront. In tandem with the balloon rides, the city is also working on introducing a ferry service across a 4–6 kilometre stretch of the Yamuna, connecting Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. A memorandum of understanding has already been signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India and several Delhi government departments to advance the project.

The Commonwealth Games Village, one of the upcoming launch sites, lies adjacent to the Yamuna and was originally constructed to house athletes during the 2010 Games. Nearby, the sprawling Yamuna Sports Complex remains one of the largest sports facilities in East Delhi, also a legacy of the same international event.

At Asita and Baansera—lush stretches of reclaimed riverbank—DDA has been investing in creating green zones meant to serve as lungs for the congested capital. These locations provide a scenic starting point for the rides and also showcase Delhi’s changing view on urban ecology and tourism.

If everything goes according to plan, residents of Delhi may soon rise gently into the air. They will watch the capital unfold beneath them. Its rivers, monuments, and bylanes will be experienced from above, in a rare moment of peace.