Task after task after task: Balloon pilots hard at work in Wieselburg, Austria

Story by Jonathan Perron-Clow of the FAI Ballooning Commission's Public & Media Relations Sub-Committee

Pilots woke up on the second day of the 23rd FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship Wieselburg, Austria, to spectacular conditions and light winds. Their skills, patience and endurance were tested over two flights leading to nine tasks.

And they’re off! 23rd FAI European Balloon Championship takes to the sky

Story by Jonathan Perron-Clow of the FAI Ballooning Commission's Public & Media Relations Sub-Committee

A little bit of rain couldn’t hold back the 82 competitors assembled in Wieselburg, Austria at the 23rd FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship. After the Opening Ceremony on Saturday 16 August 2025, on Sunday (after a brief weather delay), the pilots took off to commence their weeklong quest to determine the best pilot in Europe.