Pilots received a green flag Sunday on day nine of the 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The signal clears morning flight activities for the closing day of the gathering. Organizers chose the flag during the early pilot briefing.
Official activities began before sunrise in Albuquerque. Multiple events filled the final morning timetable.
- 5:45 a.m. Drone Light Show sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
- 6 a.m. Dawn Patrol Show presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort
- 6:30 a.m. Krispy Kreme Morning Glow
- 7 a.m. Farewell Mass Ascension
- 8 a.m. Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
A green flag indicates favorable weather conditions for hot air balloon flight operations. Safety officials inspect wind speeds and visibility before making the announcement.
Crews in Albuquerque completed the events across the morning timetable.
Morgan Reed
Covers weather, water and the environment across New Mexico for DukeCityWire.