With Balloon Fiesta Underway, Luján Highlights Wins From FAA Reauthorization Bill to Protect Hot Air Ballooning

Washington, D.C. - With the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta underway, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, highlighted key priorities that he secured to help protect hot air ballooning in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 that was passed and signed into law in May.

"The annual Balloon Fiesta is a vital part of New Mexico's culture and economy that brings thousands of visitors to our state from around the world," said Senator Luján, a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. "Over the years, I've worked to keep New Mexico as the hot air balloon capital of the world and let the ballons fly without disruption. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues during FAA Reauthorization negotiations to protect our cherished tradition of hot air ballooning that is on full display at this year's Balloon Fiesta."

Earlier this year, as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act, Senator Luján secured a provision to require the FAA to consider the unique capabilities of hot air balloons in future regulations. In 2022, Senator Luján and the New Mexico Delegation successfully pushed the FAA to adjust a policy that would have grounded hot air balloon flights and caused major disruptions to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

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