Safety Requirements For
Hot Air ballooning is an outdoor adventure activity using rural properties that can be uneven or overgrown for takeoff and landing. While the flight is gentle, landings can be bumpy and the basket may occasionally lay on its side with passengers lying horizontal for a short time. Please ask if you have any concerns. The packing up tasks at the end of the flight are optional and we would appreciate your assistance in these enjoyable activities. However, they do involve some lifting and participation is entirely voluntary. Passengers that are less able bodied are invited to stand back and take pictures of the fun.

Hot Air Ballon Safety Facts Dubai

General Mobility

It is a General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and company requirement that Passengers flying with the operator must be able to climb into the basket unaided, so that in the event of an emergency passengers are also able to climb out of the basket unaided. The side of the basket is approx. 1.1 meters high with two footholds for passengers to use like a ladder when climbing into the basket. The operator’s staff will be in attendance to supervise the passengers climbing into the basket but are not allowed to actively assist passengers into the basket. The Pilot in command will make the final decision on whether a passenger is able to climb into the basket unaided and therefore travel on the balloon flight. In the event that the Pilot refuses to allow a passenger to board on this basis the Passenger will be given a partial refund through their booking agent or by Hot Air if they booked directly with operator.

Scuba Diving

We will not carry passengers who have participated in a scuba dive the night before their balloon flight. Passengers diving the day before travel should check with a qualified dive master as to the safety of the passenger in participating in the balloon flight. The Operator usually does not fly above 4, 000 feet altitude and most flights are around 2,000 – 3000 feet altitude. Passengers diving the day before travel who participate in the balloon journey do so at their own risk and the operator accepts no liability for any damage or injury caused.

Pregnant Persons

We recommends that pregnant persons do not fly in a hot air balloon and will not carry passengers who are pregnant for more than 3 months. Passengers who suspect they may be pregnant should check with their doctor before travel.

Alcohol And Drugs

At no time will a passenger be allowed to fly if their judgment is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or prescription medicine. Passengers not able to fly may at the discretion of the operator be given a partial refund through their booking agent or by operator if they booked directly with the Operator.

Carriage At Pilot’s Discretion

The pilot in charge of the balloon has absolute discretion in deciding whether a passenger will fly or not. Such decisions are made in the best interest of the safety of the passengers and crew and the Operator accepts no liability for any inconvenience or damage caused.

Minimum Age Requirement

Children must be a minimum of five years old to travel on the balloon flight and children up to the age of twelve years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult on the balloon flight and the adult prices will apply from twelve years old.

Landing

Most pilots try to perform as smooth a landing as possible. This becomes difficult if the air at ground level is moving at more than the expectations or so. If the balloon is moving at this speed or more when it contacts the ground, the basket (which usually does not have wheels of any kind on the bottom) may drag for a bit or even tip over. Even the presence of ground crew may not help much. The combined weight easily exceed the weight of a large automobile. Pilots can improve the situation by landing in a spot protected from the wind, such as behind a line of trees or in a small valley. Once the balloon has landed, the envelope is deflated and detached from the basket. The envelope is then packed into its carrying bag. The burner and the basket may be separated and all components are packed into the retrieve vehicle.

Medical Conditions

Passengers with medical conditions should check their suitability to fly prior to booking and advise our staff when booking. As the entire tour last more than 4 hours, passengers are advised to carry any necessary medication with them. Persons with medical conditions participating in the balloon flight and pack up activities do so at their own risk and the Operator accepts no liability for any damage or injury caused.

COVID-19 Protocols

The safety and well being of our guests and staff has always been our priority and as a responsible tourism company, industry leading health and safety standards are our core. In light of COVID-19, we at the Maha Ballooning , have taken the opportunity to further enhance health and safety standards while maintaining the premium quality of our experiences. These protocols take into account current WHO and CDC guidelines and will be updated as new information becomes available about COVID-19. Our health and safety guidelines also exceed all of the UAE government’s regulations and the tourism guidelines established by the Dubai Municipality Health and Safety (DMHS), Dubai Tourism (DTCM), General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA).

Social Distancing Regulations

Limited capacity in all vehicles in accordance with government guidelines. Social distancing guidelines as established and mandated by Government authorities will be strictly adhered to at all time.

Social Distancing Regulations

Limited capacity in all vehicles in accordance with government guidelines. Social distancing guidelines as established and mandated by Government authorities will be strictly adhered to at all time.

General Regulations For All Experiences

All staff interacting directly with our guests have been vaccinated for Covid-19. Strict protocols are in place for any staff members displaying any symptoms to remain away from work until testing or quarantine has been completed.

We Have Also Implemented Further Protocols To Ensure That We:

Protect our guests and staff with global best practice for sanitization and safety. Lead the industry with enhanced sustainability measures. Exceed expectations and requirements for Covid-19 with fully trained safety officers and extensive staff training. Use discreet innovative technology to enhance our product offering, ensuring that our guests can enjoy their experience without feeling like they are visiting a medical facility. All activities will respect the capacity, social distancing, and restrictions regulated by local authorities. Local regulation mandates the use of face masks at all times. Guests must be wearing a mask at the pick-up location to the drop off location