Ballooning love: woman flies 124 countries, honors late husband's spirit
Allie Dunnington’s first balloon flight in 2002 wasn't just a ride; it was a turning point. A chance encounter with British balloon pilot Phil sparked a lifelong passion that would take her across continents and ultimately redefine her life's trajectory.
A serendipitous ascent
Working as a tour guide in Myanmar, Dunnington met Phil, who invited her to join him on a flight. The gentle journey over ancient temples ignited an immediate fascination. She never envisioned herself as a pilot, having once considered a career in medicine after a backpacking trip through China.
Their connection deepened over weeks of email exchanges – Phil painstakingly using a satellite phone to bridge the distance. Their correspondence evolved into a profound intimacy, a sense of understanding that transcended miles.
A week-long reunion in Germany blossomed into a proposal atop a sand dune in Dubai in 2004. The couple married in Bristol later that year, embarking on a life of international ballooning, running a consultancy while chasing ever more countries.
Dunnington became the UK's first female hot-air balloon flight examiner, a milestone in a traditionally male-dominated field. She also founded the Women’s Balloon Event in 2010, dedicated to encouraging women and girls to pursue aviation.
The years that followed were filled with adventure. She piloted commercial flights in 124 countries, witnessing countless moments of joy, including a mid-air proposal over Tuscany. Her most recent expedition took her through Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, with a particular fondness for the landscapes of Tanzania's Tarangire National Park.
Tragedy struck in 2021 when Phil passed away in Jordan from leukemia and COVID-19. The loss was devastating, but Dunnington channeled her grief into continuing their shared passion. She now aims to surpass Phil's record of 127 countries flown, a feat she informally acknowledges within the ballooning community.
“Phil was always such a great support to me in my career,” Dunnington says. “I think he’d be up there, sitting on a cloud, sipping a cider and looking down feeling very happy and proud of what I’ve achieved.”
She has experimented with fixed-wing planes and helicopters, but ballooning holds a unique allure. Her next planned expedition targets West Africa, with a realistic goal of reaching 150 countries. The air, she says, offers a freedom unmatched by any other form of flight.
The world of ballooning is a testament to human connection and the enduring power of shared dreams. Dunnington’s journey is not just about conquering distances; it's about honoring a love that soared above the clouds.
As told to Kate Chapman