Why extreme heat can force airlines to leave passengers behind

Key Points:

• Extreme heat, especially in desert climates and high-elevation airports, can disrupt air travel by making it harder for aircraft to take off safely due to thinner, less dense air reducing lift and engine thrust.
• Airlines may respond to hot weather by reducing plane weight through removing passengers, cargo, or fuel, delaying flights, or making refueling stops to ensure safety during takeoff.
• Studies predict that climate change will increase the frequency of weight restrictions and flight delays at airports with short runways, high elevations, and hot climates, potentially affecting up to 30% of flights during peak heat by midcentury.
• Recent data shows a significant rise in the number of extremely hot days at airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor, Las Vegas Harry Reid International, and Palm Springs, correlating with increased flight disruptions due to heat.
• The urban heat island effect exacerbates airport temperatures, making built environments hotter and further challenging aircraft operations during heat waves.