Long-distance world championship in gas ballooning

Gordon Bennett Cup 2024

September 13th-22nd, 2024, Münster (GER)

The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the FAI long-distance world championship for gas balloon pilots, is the oldest and most prestigious event in aviation and the ultimate challenge for pilots. The goal is simple: to cover the greatest distance to the launch site without stopping.

The toughest, most prestigious and most traditional balloon race in the world starts off in Münster, Germany. Here, 50 outstanding balloonists gather to compete against each other in the “long-distance” category. Another highlight is the fascinating “Night Glows”, in which the illuminated hot-air balloons perform display against the special backdrop.
The Gordon Bennett has been held 66 times since 1906 and is considered one of the most traditional competitions in aviation. A central concern of the organizers is to involve the population. The fascination of aviation and ballooning should be spread to as many people as possible.

The international competition was initiated by James Gordon Bennett Jr. in 1906, when 16 gas balloons took off from the Jardin de Tuileries in Paris.