:- News Desk
BiharTrip.com proposed hot air balloon tourism initiative, projected as a major boost to the state’s tourism sector, is already raising serious red flags over public safety, operational expertise, and regulatory oversight.
At the centre of the controversy is the involvement of BiharTrip, a company primarily known for cab aggregation and travel services, but with no proven experience in operating hot air balloon flights—an activity that involves complex aviation norms, international safety protocols, and life-critical risk management.
A recent meeting with Bihar Tourism Minister Arun Shankar Prasad discussed the proposal, but industry experts question whether enthusiasm is being allowed to override caution.
Cab Services to Balloon Flights: A Dangerous Leap?
Hot air ballooning is not a routine tourism activity. It requires:
• Certified pilots with international aviation credentials
• Aircraft-grade safety audits
• Weather risk assessment systems
• Emergency response infrastructure
• Strict adherence to DGCA and global aviation norms
Critics argue that allowing a company with no aviation background to operate balloon flights amounts to treating public safety as an experiment.
“If a cab service company cannot ensure consistent driver behaviour on roads, how can it be trusted with airborne tourism involving dozens of lives at a time?” questioned a senior aviation safety expert.
Safety First or Tourism Optics?
Officials have highlighted economic benefits and employment generation, but no clarity has been provided on:
• Previous hot air balloon operations by the company
• Safety certifications and pilot sourcing
• Insurance coverage and liability framework
• Emergency landing and disaster response planning
States already operating hot air balloon tourism—such as Rajasthan and Goa—have relied on experienced aviation operators, not first-time entrants with unrelated business models.
Public Trust at Stake
Tourism initiatives succeed only when public confidence is intact. Any accident involving hot air balloons would not just endanger lives but could irreversibly damage Bihar’s tourism image, which the government claims it wants to rebuild.
