Albuquerque: Balloon Fiesta Grounded Due to Unforeseen WindsAlbuquerque: Balloon Fiesta Grounded Due to Unforeseen Winds Albuquerque, New Mexico – The highly anticipated Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, renowned for its spectacular display of hot air balloons, has been grounded for the first time in its history due to unforeseen winds. Strong and gusty winds, exceeding the safety limits for balloon operations, have forced organizers to cancel all flights for Friday, October 7th, 2023. The decision was made with the utmost concern for the safety of pilots, crew, and spectators. “We are deeply disappointed to have to cancel the flights today,” said Scott Appelman, Executive Director of the Balloon Fiesta. “Our priority is always the safety of our participants and guests.” Meteorologists had initially forecasted favorable weather conditions, but a sudden shift in the wind pattern left organizers with no choice but to ground the balloons. “The winds are simply too strong and unpredictable,” said Chief Meteorologist John Korellis. “We can’t take any risks when it comes to safety.” The grounding of the balloons has cast a shadow over the annual festival, which attracts over 500 balloons and hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Spectators who had eagerly anticipated witnessing the vibrant spectacle were left disappointed but understanding. “We’re all disappointed, but we know it’s for safety reasons,” said visitor Emily Johnson. “We hope the winds will calm down soon so we can see the balloons fly.” Organizers are closely monitoring the weather conditions and plan to resume flights as soon as it is safe to do so. They are urging spectators to stay informed and follow official updates on the Balloon Fiesta website and social media channels. Despite the setback, the Balloon Fiesta remains a beloved tradition and a major economic driver for Albuquerque. The festival is expected to continue as scheduled throughout the weekend, with other events and activities still taking place.