A spectacular suitcase-shaped hot air balloon known as “The Flying Suitcase” is preparing to take to the skies over County Roscommon, Ireland, as part of an ambitious World Records attempt to fly the same hot air balloon in the most countries within a calendar year.

The enormous balloon will make its Irish debut during the 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships, taking place at Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle from 19–23 September 2026.

Measuring approximately 22 metres wide, The Flying Suitcase has an internal volume equivalent to around 25 double-decker buses. The specially designed balloon was commissioned by Northern Ireland-based baggage shipping company Send My Bag to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Its distinctive suitcase design is expected to make it one of the main attractions at this year’s championships, drawing the attention of spectators and photographers.

The Flying Suitcase is pursuing a World Records title for the most countries flown in by a single hot air balloon within a calendar year. Subject to suitable weather conditions, flights during the Irish championships are expected to take place daily at approximately 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Each official flight will track important data, including altitude and duration, to provide evidence for the record attempt. The Irish flight forms part of a much larger international journey. The balloon is expected to visit 30 European locations during autumn 2026, with further international flights planned across Australia, Asia and the Americas in 2027.

For Adam Ewart, founder and CEO of Send My Bag, bringing The Flying Suitcase to Ireland represents a special part of the company’s 20th-anniversary celebrations. Ewart expressed his excitement about including Roscommon in the balloon’s international journey and encouraged visitors to attend the championships to witness the unusual aircraft.

Event Director Frank Meldon said special-shaped balloons traditionally attract significant attention and described The Flying Suitcase as a major focal point for this year’s event. The balloon is expected to be the only special-shaped balloon of its kind over Roscommon and the only balloon participating in the championships while pursuing a World Records title. With its enormous size, distinctive design and ambitious international mission, The Flying Suitcase is set to become one of the standout attractions of the 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships while taking another step towards its global record goal.