Slow winds give Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta spectators long look at lift off

Gentle morning breezes allowed hundreds of hot air balloons to rise slowly over Albuquerque during an archival mass ascension. The calm conditions offered tens of thousands of gathered spectators an extended view of the launch.

Reporter Kim Trujillo covered the morning flight. Predictions of 12 to 15 miles per hour winds had previously worried balloonists.

“We had some people here that came from 2,000 miles away to fly today and this may be their only chance they get, so we’re concerned about it,” one pilot said.

More than 600 pilots from 41 states and 15 countries were grateful for the launch conditions. Winds stayed exceptionally light instead of blowing too hard.

“I think it’s great,” another pilot said. “I wouldn’t have given you a plug nickel for it happening today because of the way the weather was talking about it yesterday.”

Balloons ascended much slower than usual over Albuquerque. The slow climb gave spectators extra time to enjoy the colorful views.

“Love it,” one spectator said. “This is like the greatest mass ascension in years.”

About 150,000 people attended the event. The crowd watched a wide variety of colors fill the sky.

“It’s overwhelming,” another spectator said. “It’s like a dream.”

Spectators showed great joy. Some felt like children again.

“I’ve never had so much fun since I was a kid riding roller coasters,” a spectator said. “I’ve had my tickets for 14 months to get here. I couldn’t be happier.”

Pilots and spectators hoped the calm conditions would last. Balloon launch events depend heavily on steady morning wind speeds. Safe launches require wind speeds below set safety limits.

Mass launches regularly draw international visitors and local pilots to the Albuquerque skies.