Why Are Cappadocia Balloon Flights Cancelled?
Cappadocia balloon flights are cancelled when the weather is unsuitable, and that is common: in 2026 balloons flew on just 9 days in January and 25 in June (SHGM data reported by Anadolu Agency). The clearest rule is wind: under SHGM's SHT-OPS-B instruction, passenger flights can't take off when the ground wind is above 10 knots (about 18.5 km/h). If your flight has been called off, check the flag on the Slot Service Centre page and ask your operator about your options. If weather cancels a flight booked with us, you get a 100% refund.
How the Red, Yellow and Green Flags Work
Each flying period gets a flag decision, published by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM) or its authorised Slot Service Centre. The SHT-OPS-B instruction defines them:
Red: no flying. Once published, a red flag can't be changed.
Yellow: conditions aren't suitable yet but may change, so crews can prepare and wait until it turns green or red. Flying is banned while it is yellow.
Green: a flight may go ahead, but the flag is advisory. The pilot and operator make the decision and carry the responsibility.
So a green flag doesn't guarantee your flight, and a yellow one doesn't yet mean it is cancelled. A weather cancellation shows the rules being applied; on its own it says nothing about the operator.
How to Check Today's Flight Status
The Slot Service Centre page for Cappadocia shows the current flag for sectors A, B and C, when it was last updated and the time period it covers. A red flag in one sector says nothing on its own about other sectors or time periods, so ask your operator which sector and period apply to your flight.
How Often Do Balloons Fly?
Flying days by month, 2026: January 9, February 8, March 13, April 18, May 17, June 25, which is 90 of 181 days (SHGM data reported by Anadolu Agency).
Full years: 223 flying days in 2025 (Anadolu Agency); about 224 a year according to the Nevşehir Governor.
The report links 2026's lower count to heavy rain and wind, so these are regional totals from one wet season, not the odds for your flight. We haven't found official cancellation rates by month, so treat exact percentages online as estimates.
What Happens If Your Flight Is Cancelled?
With Paphlagonia Tour, a flight cancelled because of weather is refunded 100%, as stated on our balloon tour page. The decision is made early on the morning of the flight, after the weather report is assessed. There is no online payment on our website, so we arrange any refund with you directly. A refund doesn't replace the flight, so leave room in your schedule for another attempt: message us on WhatsApp if you want another date, and we will check availability. If you cancel yourself, free cancellation with a 100% refund applies up to 48 hours before the start time. For later changes, message us.
How to Plan Around a Cancellation
Book the flight for your first morning. That leaves the rest of your stay for another attempt.
Stay at least two nights, three in winter. Two nights give you two flight mornings, but the second is your departure morning. Three nights give you a spare morning before that. Bad weather can still last several days.
Don't plan the flight for the morning you leave. You would have no margin at all.
Have a plan B for the day. Our day tours pick up at 09:00–09:30, so ask about availability if your flight is called off. Our Red vs Green comparison helps you choose.
Check the season. In winter, sunrise is close to 08:00 and balloons fly on fewer days. See our Cappadocia in winter guide.
Price and What's Included
Our listed price for the hot air balloon flight is €245 per person (November 2026). To book, choose a date on the tour page and the button opens WhatsApp. It includes hotel transfers from Göreme, Uçhisar, Avanos and Ürgüp, about one hour in the air, a licensed pilot, a personal flight certificate and flight insurance. Photo and video services, personal expenses and tips are not included. The flight isn't suitable for children under 6 or pregnant travellers. Before you book anywhere, read is Cappadocia ballooning safe? and how to choose a balloon company.
