Experts warn that high heat affects aircraft performance, reducing engine thrust and lift. To cope, airlines may reduce passenger loads, reroute flights, or add layovers, all of which could disrupt travel plans. With record temperatures becoming more frequent, understanding these impacts can help travelers prepare for potential schedule changes.
As summer heat intensifies, travelers are facing a hidden consequence of extreme temperatures: the impact on flight schedules. With record-high temperatures this season, experts in aviation warn that extreme heat could lead to more delays and even cancellations, affecting those hoping for smooth travel.
Canadian airports geared up for a bustling travel season earlier this summer, with Montreal’s Trudeau International Airport expecting an unprecedented 2.2 million passengers monthly and Toronto Pearson International Airport handling around 160,000 passengers daily. While prepared for the high numbers, extreme heat still poses challenges for airlines.
According to airline industry experts, heat combined with altitude can be problematic for aircraft performance. As temperatures rise, air density decreases, making it harder for engines, wings, and even tires to function optimally. In London’s Luton Airport, for instance, high temperatures in 2022 caused part of the runway to buckle, temporarily halting flights.
Experts from Aeronautical Universities further explain that thinner air reduces lift, which planes rely on to take off. Lower air density also reduces engine thrust during both takeoff and climb, creating challenges in maintaining standard flight performance.
At AirClaimExperts, we want you to know that airlines can be held responsible for certain disruptions caused by extreme conditions. Reach out to us to check.
In cases of extreme heat, such as temperatures around 45°C, planes may require longer runways or more powerful engines to achieve the necessary thrust for takeoff. Since upgrading engines or lengthening runways isn’t always feasible due to cost or infrastructure constraints, airlines must find alternative solutions. This often involves reducing the aircraft’s takeoff weight, according to university lectures at aviation management faculties.
Reducing weight might mean carrying less fuel, fewer passengers, or lighter cargo. For passengers, this could lead to additional layovers, as the plane may need to refuel midway to reach its destination. While these adjustments help ensure safe flights, they can lead to delays or changes in flight plans.
Airlines work closely with dispatch teams to carefully plan flights, factoring in runway conditions, wind, and temperature. These calculations may prompt decisions to remove some cargo or reduce fuel loads, which could result in delays or added stops.
In situations where hot weather disrupts flight plans, airlines may ask travelers to reschedule, offering meals, or accommodations for extended delays. Today’s aircraft, packed with more seats to increase capacity, can face additional weight issues during extreme heat, potentially affecting performance and leading to further adjustments.
As extreme heat becomes more common, airlines might have to adapt by limiting passenger capacity or changing routes to maintain operational reliability. For travelers, understanding these limitations can help manage expectations during high-temperature travel seasons.