On Saturday morning in Hyderabad, what many witnesses initially believed to be an emergency landing of a hot air balloon near Neknampur lake turned out to be a case of misunderstanding. The incident created confusion among local residents and authorities, with conflicting reports emerging about the nature of the descent.
Police Reports Versus Operator Statements
Local police officials first described the landing as being prompted by a technical snag. This initial assessment quickly spread, raising concerns about safety protocols. However, the balloon operator, Sky Waltz, firmly rejected this characterization. The company stated unequivocally that the landing was routine, planned, and completely controlled.
Safety Manager Provides Detailed Explanation
Captain M Chouhan, chief of staff and safety manager for Sky Waltz, sought to clarify the situation. "The balloon executed a routine, controlled landing," Chouhan emphasized. He explained that hot air balloons operate under different principles than conventional aircraft. "They do not have predetermined landing sites or operate from runways. They fly with prevailing winds, and pilots select safe, open areas such as empty fields for landing, in accordance with global aviation norms."
Chouhan further assured that all balloon operations are conducted by licensed pilots flying registered aircraft. The company maintains strict adherence to aviation safety protocols established by regulatory bodies.
Tourism Department Confirms Normal Operations
The Telangana Tourism Development Corporation supported Sky Waltz's position. Valluru Kranthi, managing director of TGTDC, dismissed reports of any safety concerns. "The balloon did not land on a lake. There was no malfunction or safety issue, and at no point was passenger safety compromised," Kranthi stated.
Kranthi revealed that a total of eighteen hot air balloons operated on Saturday morning. All flights complied with Directorate General of Civil Aviation norms. Every balloon took off, flew, and landed safely following standard international operating procedures.
Successful Tourism Initiative
The balloon flights form part of the tourism department's Sankranti initiative this year. Public interest has been remarkably strong for these aerial experiences. Rides conducted from Friday to Sunday saw VIP tickets priced at two thousand rupees plus taxes sell out well in advance.
Officials noted that hot air ballooning was last organized in Hyderabad back in 2015. This year's event marks a long-awaited return of the activity to the city. In addition to free-flying balloons, tethered rides are being offered at the Parade Grounds.
These tethered rides, available through online booking platforms like BookMyShow, were fully booked ahead of time. They continue to attract large crowds, demonstrating renewed enthusiasm for aerial tourism experiences in Hyderabad.
The confusion surrounding the Neknampur lake landing highlights how unconventional aircraft operations can sometimes be misinterpreted by observers. Both the operator and tourism authorities maintain that all procedures were followed correctly and safely throughout the weekend's activities.
