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This is not your grandfather's balloon.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/scientists-in-new-mexico-creating-a-vacuum-balloon-for-air-travel/ar-AA1mAHy1
Wind currents still apply.
Seriously, they've been kicking lighter-than-air around for years, because it makes economic sense...If the right system can be found and implemented.
The challenge is to make the balloon puncture proof. If you lose the vacuum, you are in a flying rock with no wings for gliding lift.