Bath adventurer becomes first British woman to cross Atlantic by gas balloon

A British adventurer from Bath has made aviation history after completing a transatlantic crossing by gas balloon.

Alicia Hempleman-Adams landed in Luxembourg on Sunday morning alongside fellow pilots Bert Padelt and Peter Cuneo after spending almost three days crossing the Atlantic Ocean in an open-basket balloon.

The team touched down in Bastendorf at 5.58am UTC, bringing to an end a challenging 70-hour flight that began in Presque Isle, Maine, on the east coast of the United States.

The achievement makes Hempleman-Adams the first British woman, and only the second woman worldwide, to complete an Atlantic crossing in a gas balloon.

Flying aboard the Atlantic Explorer, the team set out to complete a manned transoceanic journey using hydrogen as the balloon’s sole source of lift.

Throughout the crossing, the crew travelled at an average altitude of around 14,000 feet and reached speeds of up to 100km/h while exposed to the elements in an open basket.

The flight was not without difficulties. Weather conditions over the Atlantic saw ice forming on the balloon during periods of rain, creating additional challenges for the crew as they navigated towards Europe.

Speaking after landing, Hempleman-Adams described the crossing as both demanding and rewarding.

She said she was proud the team had completed the journey safely, adding that there were moments when it seemed uncertain whether they would reach their destination.

The adventurer also praised her fellow pilots, describing the successful crossing as a true team effort and an opportunity to learn from experienced balloonists.

The achievement continues a family connection with long-distance ballooning. Alicia’s father, explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams, previously completed a solo Atlantic crossing in an open-basket balloon.

Following his daughter’s success, Sir David described the flight as a remarkable accomplishment, particularly given the challenging conditions encountered during the journey.

Alicia Hempleman-Adams is already a well-known figure in the world of ballooning and exploration. In 2024 she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her services to hot air ballooning.

The latest expedition adds another significant milestone to her growing list of achievements and secures her place in British aviation history.