Russian balloonist beats round the world record by two days

Fedor 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.

Konyukhov's balloon (Twitter)
Konyukhov's balloon (Twitter)

A Russian balloonist has flown non-stop around the world in record time, his support crew have said.

Fedor 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.

The World Air Sports Federation is yet to confirm the record has been broken, but if it does, this would mean that Konyukhov has shaved two days off the record set by American Steve Fossett in 2002.

Konyukhov, who is 65, is expected to land later today.

The 56m tall balloon, which uses a mix of helium and hot air, travelled from Australia to above New Zealand, the Pacific Ocean, South America, the Cape of Good Hope and the Southern Ocean.