Right now
Latest measurement at Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport (LTAZ), ~30 km west of Göreme · 01:50
METAR LTAZ 072250Z 32008KT 280V360 9999 BKN030 BKN080 03/M02 Q1020
Why?
Dawn forecast · This morning · 8 Nov
Passenger balloons need calm air; above ~10 kn flights are usually cancelled.
Fog blocks take-off; pilots need to see the landing fields.
A low, thick cloud layer at dawn limits flights and the view.
Rain or snow keeps balloons on the ground.
Last 3 weeks
From the official bulletin. Recording since 06.11.2026.
Best months to fly
Share of mornings with flyable weather at dawn, from airport records 2005–2025 (5855 mornings). A weather statistic, not the official flight count.
Rule: wind ≤ 8 kn, gusts ≤ 12 kn, visibility ≥ 5 km, no rain/snow/fog/thunder within an hour of sunrise.
Flying in Cappadocia?
Book your flight for your first morning — if it's cancelled, you still have the next one.
Good to know
Who decides if balloons fly in Cappadocia?
The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) sets the rules. The meteorological centre for balloon flights (SHM Cappadocia) publishes a flag for each flight sector. Red and yellow mean take-off is not allowed. Green means the weather is suitable, and the final decision belongs to the pilot and the company.
What do the green, yellow and red flags mean?
Green: suitable, flights may go ahead. Yellow: wait — no take-off until the bulletin changes. Red: no flights for that time window.
When is the decision published?
It can come the day before or early in the morning, and it can change before sunrise. This page checks the official source every 10 minutes and shows when the bulletin was issued.
Why are flights cancelled?
Mostly wind, fog (low visibility), rain or snow. Passenger balloons need calm air at sunrise; winter mornings are cancelled more often.
My flight was cancelled — what now?
Companies usually move you to the next morning or refund you. Booking your flight for your first morning gives you a backup day.
Is this the official site?
No. We read the official SHM Cappadocia bulletin and show it with its timestamp. Always follow your balloon operator's message.
Details for pilots & operators: official bulletin and sectors
Meteorolojik şartların belirlenen saat aralığında uçuş için uygun olmadığı değerlendirilmiştir.
08.11.2026 - 03:45 - 14:35 valid · 07.11.2026 - 09:01Meteorolojik şartların belirlenen saat aralığında uçuş için uygun olmadığı değerlendirilmiştir.
08.11.2026 - 03:45 - 14:35 valid · 07.11.2026 - 09:01Meteorolojik şartların belirlenen saat aralığında uçuş için uygun olmadığı değerlendirilmiştir.
08.11.2026 - 03:45 - 14:35 valid · 07.11.2026 - 09:01Approximate sector borders (SHM). Most balloons launch around Göreme (sector B).
Source: SHM Cappadocia (official). This site is not official — always follow your balloon operator. shmkapadokya.kapadokya.edu.tr · Forecast: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Airport observation: METAR via aviationweather.gov