FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA)

Report by: Marvin Wittschen, Camp Organiser

From 26 July to 2 August, the quiet village of Rothmannsthal in Bavaria, Germany became the meeting point for 34 young people – 17 from Germany and 17 from France – aged between 13 and 17. They came for a week of ballooning, adventure, and cross-cultural exchange at the Franco-German Youth Office Balloon Youth Camp 2025. 

On 5 September 2025, the skies above Metz will provide the stage for the 68th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the world’s oldest and most prestigious gas balloon race. The launch will take place from the Plateau de Frescaty, a symbolic location with a rich aeronautical past.

With bad weather looming, competitors at the 23rd FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship 2025 knew they’d get one more long flight in before the rain, with precious points up for grabs.

By Jonathan Perron-Clow of the FAI Ballooning Commission's Public & Media Relations Sub-Committee

No one said it would be easy. Competitors at this year’s 23rd FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship have got more than they bargained for. Unrelenting good weather combined with challenging tasks have sent pilots moving up and down the standings just as much as they’ve done in the sky.

Story by Jonathan Perron-Clow of the FAI Ballooning Commission's Public & Media Relations Sub-Committee

Story by Jonathan Perron-Clow of the FAI Ballooning Commission's Public & Media Relations Sub-Committee

Pilots woke up on the second day of the 23rd FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship Wieselburg, Austria, to spectacular conditions and light winds. Their skills, patience and endurance were tested over two flights leading to nine tasks.