Colorado pilots take flight in New Mexico for the world’s largest hot air balloon festival

· Oct. 11, 2025, 4:00 am

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6min 11sec

A large group of colorful hot air balloons are gathered in a field, with people standing around and admiring the display. — Balloonists inflate their rigs on the first day of Albuquerque's annual Balloon Fiesta, which was too windy for liftoff. Oct. 4, 2025.

Dave Bair inflates his rig on the second day of Albuquerque's annual Balloon Fiesta. Oct. 5, 2025.

Balloonists inflate their rigs on the first day of Albuquerque's annual Balloon Fiesta, which was too windy for liftoff. Oct. 4, 2025.

Dave Bair looks down at Albuquerque during the second day of the city's annual Balloon Fiesta. Oct. 5, 2025.

Balloonists take off on the second day of Albuquerque's annual Balloon Fiesta. Oct. 5, 2025.

Jen Tipton and Dave Bair wave at a passing friend as they fly in the second day of Albuquerque's annual Balloon Fiesta. Oct. 5, 2025.

Balloonists float over Albuquerque on the second day of the city's annual Balloon Fiesta. Oct. 5, 2025.

Marissa Myers leans out of her basket on the first day of Albuquerque's annual Balloon Fiesta. Oct. 4, 2025.

Naveen Raghunath (right) takes a photo of Saikumar, Harini and Siya Tutika during Albuquerque's annual Balloon Fiesta. Oct. 5, 2025.

A view of Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Park from a rig rising above the annual festival on its second day. Oct. 5, 2025.

Dave and Jessica Bair embrace after a successful flight on the second day of Albuquerque's annual Balloon Fiesta. Oct. 5, 2025.

People take photos as balloonists lift off for the second day of Albuquerque's annual Balloon Fiesta. Oct. 5, 2025.

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