The Hyderabad Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026, a highly anticipated event organized by the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), commenced on January 16 and is scheduled to run until January 18, 2026. The festival has seen an overwhelming response, with tickets selling out almost instantly upon release, leading to significant disappointment among many prospective attendees. Reports from The Hindu indicate that even additional slots released by TGTDC to cater to the unexpected surge in demand were snapped up within minutes. This corroborates reports from the Deccan Chronicle, which stated tickets were sold out 'within seconds'. The festival offers two distinct experiences: scenic morning flights and evening 'Night Glow' tethered shows. Morning flights, lasting approximately 30-60 minutes and covering 8-10 kilometers, take off from locations near the city's outskirts, such as the Hyderabad Golf Club near Golconda Fort. These are priced at around ₹2,000 plus GST per person. The evening sessions, featuring illuminated tethered balloons that ascend and descend vertically, are held at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad and have a nominal fee, with some reports indicating tickets as low as ₹15. The event, featuring 15 international-standard hot air balloons and foreign pilots, is a new and vibrant addition to Hyderabad's tourism calendar, attracting huge crowds and promoting the state's tourism and heritage.