Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta celebrates international pilots with Flight of Nations

International pilots took to the morning sky over Albuquerque during the annual balloon showcase. The special launch highlighted aviators from around the globe. Crews prepared their aircraft at dawn.

The morning mass ascension carried the international theme across Albuquerque skies. Pilots launched together in the mass flight.

A mass ascension features dozens of hot air balloons launching in organized waves from one field. Events like this run on visual flight rules and depend entirely on calm morning winds.

Spectators watched the mass flight lift off across Albuquerque. The event concluded its international celebration.