The skies over Pampanga are set to come alive with color and excitement as the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) prepares for its landmark 26th edition. This iconic event, recognized as the country's longest-running aviation sports festival, will unfold at the world-class facilities of New Clark City from February 13 to 15, 2026.
A Grand Celebration of Flight
Under the theme "A Weekend of Everything that Flies," the 2026 fiesta promises to be its most spectacular iteration. Organized as a state-run festival, it aims to deliver three days of non-stop aerial exhibitions that will captivate families, friends, and aviation aficionados. The event will transform the sky into a dynamic canvas featuring a diverse array of flying marvels.
Attendees can look forward to an impressive lineup including regular and special-shaped hot air balloons, helicopters, skydiving teams, paragliders, radio-controlled aircraft, creative kites, and high-tech drones. All these elements will converge in one vibrant venue, offering a truly immersive airshow experience.
Record-Breaking Displays and a Premier Venue
This year, the festival is raising the bar by showcasing the largest collection of special-shape balloons in its 26-year history. A total of 22 uniquely designed, colorful, and crowd-favorite balloons will take to the skies. These creative inflatables will be piloted by international aviators hailing from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil.
The choice of New Clark City (NCC) as the host site marks a significant chapter for the event. Developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), NCC is a premier sports and lifestyle hub. Its expansive open grounds, 20,000-seat Athletics Stadium, and world-class Aquatics Center provide an ideal, spacious, and accessible setting for a large-scale outdoor spectacle of this magnitude.
A Legacy of Aviation and Camaraderie
Captain Joy Roa, the PIHABF Event Director, reflected on the festival's enduring appeal. "Bringing all these aerial spectacles together within a three-day celebration reminds us how meaningful it is to keep offering a true airshow experience," Roa said. "One we've honed and shared with the public for more than two decades." Roa and his team of passionate aviators have steered the event since its third year, evolving it into an annual showcase of premier flying activities and international friendship.
BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang expressed pride in hosting the festival. "We are always delighted and honored to host events like this. For New Clark City to welcome and witness this amazing festival is truly special," Bingcang stated. "It deserves to be celebrated in our world-class facilities, which are comfortable, spacious, and accessible to ensure an exceptional experience for all who come to enjoy it."
Over its quarter-century history, the PIHABF has grown beyond a sports event into a beloved cultural celebration. It has thrilled audiences with world-class aerobatic teams like the Breitling Jet Team and Wing Walkers, hosted international air rallies, staged thrilling skydiving exhibitions, and highlighted Filipino artistry through cultural exchanges and iconic poster designs. The 2026 edition at New Clark City is poised to continue this proud legacy, offering an unforgettable weekend dedicated to the wonder of flight.
