Summary: The Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (Feb 13–15, 2026) in New Clark City is expected to draw over 100,000 visitors, with large contingents from South Korea, the USA and Australia. Airlines including Philippine Airlines and AirAsia are offering special flights and package deals, while hotels around Clark report strong bookings.

Event Overview: What to Expect

The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be held from February 13–15, 2026, at New Clark City in Tarlac. The festival is returning as one of the Philippines' premier aviation and tourism events, showcasing hundreds of colourful balloons alongside aerial displays such as paragliding, drone shows and skydiving. Organisers expect more than 100,000 attendees this year, with significant visitor flows from South Korea, the United States and Australia.

Airlines Respond to Rising Demand

Commercial carriers have adjusted schedules and launched targeted offers to capture the festival travel surge. Philippine Airlines has seen a notable uptick in bookings on routes serving the Philippines, while low-cost carriers such as AirAsia are promoting budget connections to Clark and Manila. From key source markets there are frequent direct options: Seoul, Los Angeles and Sydney remain important gateways into the country.

  • Direct access points: Seoul, Los Angeles, and Sydney to Manila or Clark International Airport
  • Airline offers: flight + fiesta package deals combining transport and event access
  • Sample fares: from South Korea as low as USD 250; US round-trips about USD 600–800; Australia USD 400–600

Many international attendees prefer Clark International Airport because it is a short drive to New Clark City, simplifying transfers to the festival grounds. Airlines are monitoring demand closely and recommending early bookings to avoid sold-out flights as the event approaches.

Hotels and Local Hospitality See a Lift

The hospitality sector surrounding Clark is benefiting from the influx of festival-goers. International brands such as Marriott and Swissotel, along with Clarkton Hotel, are reporting strong advance bookings. Boutique properties in the Clark Freeport Zone have also started filling up as travellers seek alternatives to larger hotels.

  • Popular hotels: Marriott Clark, Swissotel, Clarkton Hotel, Hotel Stotsenberg, Widus Resort & Casino
  • Typical rates: mid-range USD 100–200 per night; luxury USD 300–600 per night
  • Added services: hotel shuttles to the fiesta, guided tours and packaged experiences
Colourful hot air balloons over New Clark City during the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, with spectators on the ground
Hot air balloons and aerial displays are central attractions at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in New Clark City

Beyond the Fiesta: Activities and Travel Tips

Visitors can pair the fiesta with excursions across the Philippines — from beaches in Palawan to diving in Cebu or cultural sites near Manila. Within Clark, attractions include Mount Pinatubo treks, Puning Hot Springs and the Clark Museum. For the festival itself, organisers recommend arriving early as balloons typically launch around 6:30 AM.

  • Book flights and hotels early — key routes can fill up quickly
  • Stay near Clark or choose hotels with shuttle services to the venue
  • Dress for variable temperatures: cool mornings, hot afternoons
  • Bring water and snacks, and expect large crowds for main attractions

The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is both a spectacle and an economic catalyst for the region. Airlines and hotels are adjusting to capture the visitor surge, while local operators are offering new services to accommodate international travelers.

What This Means for Travelers and the Industry

So what? For travelers, the fiesta offers an accessible, event-driven reason to visit the Philippines with competitive fares and combined packages available from major source markets. For airlines and hotels, the event demonstrates how seasonal festivals can generate concentrated demand, prompting route adjustments, promotional bundles and partnerships across carriers and hospitality providers.