Hot air balloons float once again in central Turkey's Cappadocia

Hot-air balloons started rides after five months in central Turkey's Cappadocia on Aug. 22. Known for its unique geographical landscape, the area often offers sunrise balloon rides among "fairy chimneys."

Duvar English

Hot air balloon flights recommenced in central Turkey's Cappadocia on Aug. 23 after a five-month pause as part of COVID-19 precautions.

The Civil Aviation Directorate General mandated a brief training session, masks and safe distancing for visitors on the hot air balloons.

A visitor is offered hand sanitizer before a hot air balloon ride on Aug. 23.

Known for its unique geographic landscape of valleys, caves and "fairy chimneys," hot air balloons at sunrise Cappadocia are a popular tourist attraction.

A hot-air balloon is fired up on the morning of Aug. 23.

The package deals for hot air balloon rides include an hour-long ride and concessions at the point of landing.

Passengers wait on a hot-air balloon before if takes off on the morning of Aug. 23.

Approximately 35 balloons were in the air on the morning of Aug. 23, hot-air balloon tourism operator Especial's Director Abdullah İnal said.

Local tourism operators are hoping for increased business from the hot-air balloon rides.

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