Am I covered by insurance during the flight?

Safety is our priority.

All our passengers are covered during the flight by insurance with the Belgian leader specialized in aviation insurance, the company Axis/Aviabel.

Our pilots are all professionals and our flights are approved and supervised by the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport (formerly the aviation administration).

The standards established by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency - EASA - are respected by montgolfiere.be.

What should you expect for your hot air balloon flight? Is it really safe?

You may feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about your upcoming hot air balloon flight. That is completely normal! Many passengers share this feeling before experiencing this exceptional adventure. This adrenaline rush is often linked to the questions you may have about safety. So, is hot air ballooning a safe means of transportation? Here is our complete guide to hot air balloon safety to answer all your questions.

Hot air balloon safety: what should you know?

Statistically, hot air ballooning is one of the safest means of transportation. In Europe, this activity is governed by strict regulations, which helps maintain an excellent level of safety. At montgolfiere.be, we are proud of our flawless history: no accidents, successfully passed inspections, and rigorous safety procedures. Sometimes the landing can be a little bumpy, but that is part of the adventure!

“Benoît and his team immediately made us feel confident during the balloon preparation. Seeing all the checks carried out on the ground reassured us, and I learned that hot air ballooning is one of the safest means of transportation!”

A strictly regulated industry

Commercial hot air balloon flights are subject to precise requirements. Companies must be certified, and pilots must hold the appropriate licenses.

The Civil Aviation Authority is the Ministry of Communications (Mobility) and EASA, which regulates hot air balloon flights. EASA imposes demanding standards designed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Pilots must notably hold a commercial hot air balloon pilot license obtained after:

  • Comprehensive examinations in meteorology, aviation law, navigation, physiology, and hot air balloon systems

  • A practical test supervised by an approved examiner (similar to an aviation driving license)

  • A Class 2 medical certificate, renewed every 5 years depending on the pilot’s age

👉 Our main pilot Benoit Siméons has completed more than 4,000 flights

Approval of commercial operators

Companies offering paid flights must hold an Air Operator Certificate (AOC light), issued only after verification of:

  • The safety management system

  • Operations manuals

  • Insurance coverage

  • Maintenance protocols

At montgolfiere.be, we comply with all these obligations — not only because regulations require it, but because the safety of our passengers is our absolute priority.