Hyderabad Hot Air Balloon Made Routine Landing Amid Viral Emergency Claims

Videos circulating on social media showed a hot air balloon landing near Neknampur Lake in Hyderabad during the Telangana International Hot Air Balloon Festival on January 17, 2026. Contrary to claims of a technical fault and emergency landing, Sky Waltz, the operator, and its flight safety chief clarified that the balloon made a routine, controlled landing in an open field, consistent with standard hot air balloon procedures guided by wind conditions. No safety incidents or malfunctions were reported.