Russian Adventurer Closes in on Round-the-World Ballooning Record

A Russian balloonist has set a new record for flying non-stop around the world, his support crew have said.

Fyodor Konyukhov’s balloon was said to have passed directly over the airfield in the Australian town of Northam where he began his journey 11 days ago.

If his record is confirmed by the World Air Sports Federation he will have taken more than two days off the record set by American Steve Fossett in 2002.

Konyukhov, who is 65, is expected to land later on Saturday.

Speaking on Friday, the adventurer’s son, Oscar, told Australia’s ABC television: “It has been very hard… after several nights over the Indian Ocean where he was closer to Antarctica than Australia. But he… said he’s ok.”