A balloon pilot is on the verge of breaking a world record for taking off in the highest number of countries around the world.
Allie Dunnington, from Bristol, has launched balloons in more countries than any other female pilot and is now on a mission to beat the overall record of 127, held by her late husband Phil Dunnington, by the end of 2026.
She is now only four countries away from achieving her target but has been hindered by restricted airspace because of the US-Israel war with Iran.
Dunnington wants to break the record in the Vatican City with the Pope on board. “My dream is to take the Pope flying and take off from St. Peter’s Square,” she said.
