A Sheffield based pro-Palestinian group is organising a hot air balloon stunt to publicise the Palestinian cause. UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) believes the stunt is dangerous and illegal and has warned the Civil Aviation Authority that it appears to breach several regulations designed to ensure safety to the public.

Sheffield Palestine Cultural Exchange (PACE) is planning to fly a hot air balloon carrying Sahar Awadallah, a doctor from Gaza, who will be waving a Palestinian flag or banner.

UKLFI has written to the Civil Aviation Authority to warn them that given the proximity to buildings and residences in Sheffield, this balloon flight is likely to be illegal under the Air Navigation Order 2016 765 which does not allow people to recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property.  The balloon is to be launched from Sheffield train amphitheatre, which UKLFI considers to be a dangerously inappropriate congested public space.

Given the launch site’s proximity to tall buildings, residences, as well as tram and railway stations, the balloon will inevitably be flown during take-off and/or landing within 60 metres of any vehicle or urban structure contrary to the Order.

The proposed launch site is a public urban space with footpaths not subject to closure on an inadequately sized area, on a steep windward slope. It is immediately adjacent to the mainline rail station and urban tram station. Tall street furniture, moving traffic and tall dwellings surround the site.  The launch site is not able to comply with the exemptions of Air Navigation Order General Permission and Exemption E 5801 relating to balloon launches in a congested area.

Social media invitations to the launch have been made and a large crowd of political demonstrators are expected to turn up for the event.  The event had been planned for 14 May, but has been postponed due to high winds.

Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI commented: “We believe that the launch of the balloon in a built up area,  and the likely crowds planning to gather there pose a real safety risk. We are also concerned that this event may set a dangerous precedent where UK airspace could be politicised.  We have asked the CAA to take appropriate action.”