Morocco Calls on ICAO for International Regulatory Framework to Monitor Balloon Activities
Morocco has raised an alarm at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly, warning that the rapid expansion of hot air balloon use for passenger transport threatens aviation safety unless it is subject to a strict and harmonized regulatory framework among states.
The Moroccan delegation highlighted that this activity, experiencing a surge in various tourist destinations worldwide, has been accompanied by a troubling series of incidents in recent years, ranging from collisions with power lines or other aircraft to fires during flights. They noted that balloons, by nature, are limited in maneuverability and slow to ascend and descend, along with their sensitivity to sudden weather changes, which significantly increases their operational risks.
Morocco urged the international organization to establish guidelines that set minimum safety standards and called on member states to incorporate these into their national legislation, alongside enhancing the exchange of expertise in accident investigation, pilot training, and operator oversight.
The Moroccan proposal emphasized that the goal of this initiative is to ensure the safety and security of all air travel, mentioning the possibility of implementing the recommended measures within the organization’s regular budgets or through additional contributions from states.
While hot air balloons are considered an environmentally friendly means of tourism attraction, Morocco warned that the absence of coordinated regulatory oversight exposes passengers and airspace to increasing risks, especially since these activities often take place in densely populated urban areas.
It is noteworthy that Morocco has undertaken disciplinary actions this year against balloon operating companies in the outskirts of Marrakech after violations related to exceeding the permitted altitude were recorded, leading the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to issue punitive measures against certain sector players.
