Hot Air Balloon Cross Channel 2024 Attempt

Up to 200 hot air balloons set to take flight from Dover to Calais as part of a cross channel record-breaking attempt.

Hundreds of hot air balloons are set to take to the skies as part of a soaring record attempt to cross the English Channel from Dover to Calais. 

Organised by Exclusive Ballooning and sponsored by P&O Ferries, the 2024 launch is set to be the largest hot air balloon channel crossing ever seen, beating the 2017 flight, also organised by Exclusive Ballooning, which saw 82 balloons successfully attempt the channel crossing. 

Pilots from 18 countries around the world will be travelling to Dover to fill the skies with brightly coloured balloons as the fleet takes part in the record-breaking attempt across the busiest shipping lane in the world. 

Andrew Holly, Exclusive Ballooning Operations Director said:

“I have been lucky enough to fly all over the world, however flying over the English Channel is by far the most special flight I have ever done. We are determined to break our previous record and indeed also set a new record for what we believe will be the largest mass ascent of hot air balloons ever in the UK.  We are extremely grateful to P&O Ferries for their support, and we cannot wait to welcome teams from across the world, as we attempt to set this new record.”

Jo Harvey, Customer and Marketing Director, P&O Ferries said:

“We are delighted to be supporting Exclusive Ballooning with this amazing adventure.  Seeing so many hot air balloons taking flight across the channel is truly a sight to behold, I’m excited to see our logo flying proud as it crosses the channel in a rather different guise to normal.  We wish all the balloonists luck and fingers crossed for record breaking attendance.”

Please follow us on social media or check the ‘Updates’ page on this website for all further information on potential weather slots.