Egypt Resumes Hot Air Ballooning Over Luxor After Incident

Varieties

July 21st, 5:06am

Asharq Al-Awsat

Balloons carrying tourists take off above the west bank of the Nile river in Egypt's southern city of Luxor early on January 18, 2022 - AFP

Egyptian authorities on Wednesday resumed hot air ballooning over the ancient city of Luxor following a two-day hiatus after two tourists were lightly injured during a ride. A hot air balloon with 28 tourists drifted off course Monday because of a change in the direction and speed of winds. The balloon was at an altitude of 60 meters (197 feet) when it veered off course. Before landing in an open area, the balloon slightly collided with another one. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it decided to resume the rides after reviewing “all safety measures and steps taken” to operate the popular flights. It said the two firms operating the balloons involved in Monday's incident were still suspended until investigations completed. Hot air ballooning over Luxor, 510 kilometers (320 miles) south of Cairo, offers tourists spectacular views of ancient temples in the city.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3770356/egypt-resumes-hot-air-ballooning-over-luxor-after-incident