October 5-9 - 1st Armenian Open Hot Air Balloon Championship October 5-11 - 8th "Discover Armenia From The Sky" International Balloon Festival Organizers: Ballooning Sports Federation of Armenia, with the support and cooperation of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Armenia. Description: For the first time in the Republic of Armenia, an Open Hot Air Balloon Championship is being organized in full compliance with the sporting regulations and standards of the CIA/ FAI. The competition will therefore be carried out in strict accordance with international sporting rules, ensuring transparency, fairness, and the highest level of organizational and safety standards. The main flight location of the competition will be the area adjacent to the Aparan Reservoir. This exceptional site offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the slopes of Mount Aragats, combining professional flight conditions with a truly spectacular natural backdrop. The chosen venue not only meets the technical and safety requirements for conducting an international-level sporting event, but also provides a remarkable and memorable experience for participants, officials, and spectators alike.
PROGRAM
COMPETITION DETAILS (October 5-9) CHECK-IN Monday, 5 October 2026, 13:00 – 19:30 GENERAL BRIEFING Monday, 5 October 2026, 20:00 FIRST COMPETITION FLIGHT Tuesday, 6 October 2026 – Morning (AM) Morning Flight - 07:30-09:30 Evening Flight - 16:30-18:30 LAST COMPETITION FLIGHT Friday, 9 October 2026 – Morning (AM) (Except Rule 1.2.2) PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY Sunday, 11 October 2026 (After Festival) Flight Area Information • Main flight area: Aparan Reservoir • Coordinates: 40°35’21’’N 44°21’26’’E • Average elevation: 1880 m above sea level COMPETITION DIRECTOR - Paolo Mario Oggioni EVENT ORGANIZER - Nairi Barseghyan RULES - AXMER SCORING & ENB - Watch Me Fly Maximum number of competitors: 17
REQUIREMENTS TO COMPETITORS
REQUIREMENTS TO PILOT, DOCUMENTS FOR REGISTRATION 1. All competitors must hold valid insurance coverage in accordance with European regulations, including territorial validity for the Republic of Armenia. 2. ENTRY FEE - Before 01/07/2026 the entry fee is EUR 250,00. After this date the entry fee is EUR 500,00. 3. Current valid pilot's license 4. The current medical certificate 5. Have a plaque of at least 50 hours 6. The flight book 7. Certificate of state registration of aircraft 8. Certificate of airworthiness of aircraft 9. Passport or other document proving identity.
ORGANIZERS PROVIDE
For teams (pilot + 3 team members) the organizer of the festival provides: 1. Electronic maps of flight regions, 2. Gas filling, 3. Accommodation* from October 5 to 12 (7 nights), 4. Food- only Breakfast (from October 6 to 12), 5. Participation in the closing ceremonies of the festival, Gala dinner (October 11) 6. Local sightseeing and cultural activities (to be detailed later).
