On Saturday, 28 March 2026, the skies above Kraków were filled with colourful balloons during the “Balloon Welcome to Spring”, a Hot Air Balloon Model Competition. Although the uncertain weather cast doubt over the organisation of the event, the determination of the organisers and participants proved that for true aviation enthusiasts, the weather is merely a backdrop for great fun.
Following the tradition of previous years, together with MTRS Sowiniec and the Dom Harcerza Youth Culture Centre, we gathered on the Museum’s MiG Avenue to welcome spring together in a family atmosphere, participating in the 40th edition of the Kraków Hot Air Balloon Model Competition.
The optimism surrounding these competitions influenced the decision not to cancel them, despite the unfavourable weather that day. It proved to be a very good decision. The weather, although initially unfavourable, gradually improved, and the sun began to break through the clouds hanging over Kraków.
The competition was held in two categories:
A total of 24 participants from 6 Kraków modelling clubs took part. The largest group was the MODEL WORKSHOP team from the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków.
The winner in the individual category was a representative of the 19th Kraków Aviation Scout Troop “Słoneczne Drogi”. Second and third places were taken by modellers from the Dom Harcerza Youth Culture Centre. In the OPEN class, the top two places went to competitors from the Scout Club of Aviation and Space Modelling in Kraków. Third place on the podium was taken by the MODEL WORKSHOP team from the Polish Aviation Museum.
Every participant left MiG Avenue with a commemorative diploma. The winners also received trophies and prizes funded by the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków.
Congratulations to all participants and thank you for taking part in the competition, for your determination and sportsmanship. See you next year — we hope with an even larger group!
We invite you to view the photo report from the event
