Interview with Jakub Mika – organizing director of the FAI World Hot Air Balloon Championship 2026
Date added: 30.05.2026
Editor: Today we're talking with Jakub Mika, organizing director of the FAI World Hot Air Balloon Championship 2026. Only four months of intense preparation remain before the competition begins. What's the current organizational situation for the event?
Jakub Mika: Preparations are progressing very well and on schedule. Of course, we're already at the most intensive stage of work, because the closer we get to the competition, the more details need to be worked out. However, we're confident about the entire event. Many months of planning, meetings, and coordination have passed, so we can now say that the organizational foundation is very strong.
Over 100 of the world's best balloon pilots from dozens of countries will arrive in Krosno. They will be joined by hundreds of team members, judges, officials, media representatives, and fans. This is the largest balloon event ever held in Poland, so every detail must be meticulously crafted.
This is a massive logistical and promotional undertaking, but also a great opportunity to showcase the region and Poland's potential as a host of world-class events. We work every day to ensure that competitors, fans, and local residents remember this championship as a unique event.
Editor: Organizing a championship of this magnitude likely requires extensive cooperation with local governments and municipal institutions. What are these relationships like?
Jakub Mika: Very good. From the very beginning, we've been met with great openness and support from city and local government institutions. This is incredibly important, because with such a large-scale event, good communication and a partnership approach are key. Together, we're tackling further organizational, infrastructure, and promotional issues.
Krosno has been the capital of Polish ballooning for years, so from the outset, we felt that everyone understood the importance of this project. This is not an event organized here by chance. The championships are coming to a city that has been alive with ballooning for decades and is well-recognized in the international ballooning community.
Our partners and sponsors also provide significant support. I'm delighted that renowned brands and institutions like Splast, the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, and ORLEN have recognized the potential of this event and decided to get involved. This is not only organizational support but also confirmation of the championship's immense promotional and sporting significance.
Editor: You also manage the Bogusława Nykiel-Ostrowska Open Hearts Foundation. This isn't the foundation's core activity, but it certainly fits into its profile…
Jakub Mika: Absolutely. The Foundation focuses primarily on social activities and supporting various local initiatives, but organizing social, integration, and promotional events is also very close to our mission.
The World Cup is more than just sport. It's an event that brings people together, promotes the region, builds positive emotions, and inspires action. We also see it as a social and educational endeavor. We want to show young people the value of pursuing ambitious projects, collaborating, and opening up to the world.
For me personally, it's also a continuation of the ideas of Bogusława Nykiel-Ostrowska, who always believed that large-scale initiatives can unite people and build local communities. The foundation bearing her name strives to implement this idea every day.
Editor: How do you assess the cooperation with the FAI and sporting director Claude Weber?
Jakub Mika: Very highly. Our collaboration with the FAI is professional and runs smoothly. This is incredibly important to us, as organizing the World Championships requires meeting the highest sporting and organizational standards. From the outset, we've been able to count on substantive support and excellent communication.
As for Claude Weber, he's one of the most experienced people in the world of ballooning. His knowledge and experience are a tremendous support to us. Together, we discuss many issues related to the competition, safety, and the sporting aspects of the championships. It's a collaboration based on mutual trust and professionalism.
Editor: What can residents and fans expect when they come to Krosno?
Jakub Mika: We want these championships to be not only for competitors, but also for locals and tourists. In addition to the racing events themselves, we're preparing many accompanying attractions.
Around 120 balloons will appear in the sky over Krosno, including fiesta balloons and balloons with special shapes. We are also planning special evening events. During the opening ceremony, we plan to present a spectacular drone show, and during the championships, there will be concerts and a spectacular nighttime air show.
Our goal is to create a true celebration of ballooning and an event that will long remain in the memories of the residents and guests visiting Krosno.
Editor: Organizing such a large event also promotes the region. What significance could the championships have for the Podkarpacie region?
Jakub Mika: I think it's very big. It's an international event that will attract competitors, technical teams, media, and fans from many countries. For several days, the eyes of the entire ballooning world will be focused on Krosno and the Podkarpacie region.
Photos and reports of the colorful balloons floating over our region will be shared on social media, television, and websites worldwide. It would be difficult to buy a similar promotion at any price. This is a unique opportunity to showcase Podkarpacie as a region attractive to tourists, modern, dynamic, and open to hosting world-class events.
Balloons have always evoked positive emotions, so I believe that the championships will be a true celebration not only for the sports community, but also for residents and tourists.
Editor: Finally, what do you most wish for yourself and the entire organizing team in the last months before the championships?
Jakub Mika: Above all, maintaining the positive energy and cooperation we have today. The most important thing in a project like this is the people – their commitment, experience, and mutual support. I also want everything to proceed smoothly and according to plan, and for the championships themselves to be a great organizational and sporting success.
I'm convinced that together we will create an event we can all be proud of. I believe that in September 2026, Krosno will become the world capital of ballooning, and that all who visit our city will remember this championship for years to come.
