Hot-air balloon Such balloons are propelled upward by hot air, which provides buoyancy and enables the balloon to float at high altitudes. (more) hot-air balloon aircraft Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/technology/hot-air-balloon Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites How Stuff Works - Science - How Hot Air Balloons Work How Stuff Works - Science - How Hot Air Balloons Work Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct. 6, 2025 •Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot hot-air balloon, large balloon filled with heated air that floats in the sky with a basket underneath for people to ride in. For a full treatment of all types of manned and unmanned balloon craft, see also balloon flight. Balloons were used in the first successful human attempts at flying. Experimentation with balloonlike craft may have begun as early as 1709 with the work of Bartolomeu Lourenço de Gusmão. The Portugal-born priest was reportedly inspired upon...

　　Continue reading with Britannica Premium The trusted destination for facts and information 7-Day Free Trial, No Ads, Unlimited Access Subscribe Today