Gravina in Puglia to host Puglia Balloon Cup 2026

The Puglia Balloon Cup 2026 will take place in Gravina in Puglia from August 24 to 29, 2026. This event marks the first international hot air balloon competition organized in Southern Italy.

Part of the ‘Puglia 2026 – European Region of Sport’ program, the competition will feature approximately fifteen Italian and foreign pilots competing in the skies of Alta Murgia. The races will follow the strict regulations of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and the Aero Club d'Italia, overseen by an international jury of directors, judges, and technicians from various European countries.

Competitions will include physical challenges, such as launching markers from balloons to hit targets, and virtual tests using GPS data to evaluate altitude and trajectory. Featured events include the ‘Key Grab Competition’ for low-altitude precision and the ‘Night Glow’ evening show, where illuminated balloons are displayed to music.