Tarmacs that are too hot for airplane takeoff. Overloaded aircraft air conditioning systems. And overheated airport workers.
High temperatures aren’t just a nuisance; they’re also an impediment to travel in North America, Europe and other areas that are feeling the summer heat.
The heat waves that have been sweeping the U.S. could lead to flight delays and weight restrictions on luggage, an aviation expert has told Newsweek. He also said passengers stuck in delayed planes are at increased risk of heat stroke as jet air conditioning systems struggle to cope in the baking temperatures.
"Basically, hot air negatively affects aircraft in two very important ways, and then some unpleasant effects follow,” said Florida-based aviation expert Michael Anthony.
Planes find it harder to takeoff in very hot weather, he said, which means luggage and even pax risk being bumped from flights to lighten loads. Air conditioning systems rely on full power from the jet engines and can malfunction on the tarmac during delays, sending cabin temperatures soaring, he warned.
Hot air is less dense than cold air, meaning there are fewer air molecules to generate lift, said David Ryan, an assistant professor of safety science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott campus. Ryan told USA Today that means an airplane may need a longer runway and to pick up more speed to get off the ground.
"The hotter it is, the longer the takeoff length, and the heavier it is, the longer the takeoff length," he said.
Ryan said most modern airliners are tested to operate in temperatures above 49C and in some cases up to about 54C. Most mainline Airbus and Boeing jets can take off safely up to about 50C, he said, while smaller regional jets often have a lower threshold for safe operations.
Published reports says pax on a Qatar Airlines flight in Greece last week experienced nosebleeds and fainting spells when the airline's air conditioning system failed, and that airlines were delayed at DEL in India on 19JUN when the tarmac was too hot for planes to lift off.
A motorcycle rider in California’s Death Valley, where temperatures recently reached 53C, died a few days ago of excessive heat. The U.S. National Park Service said emergency medical helicopters were unable to reach the man because they can't safely fly in temperatures above 49C.
YYZ officials this week warned that excessive heat could cause baggage problems and delay aircraft.
“In this heat, our safety focus is to provide adequate breaks to allow outdoor workers to stay cool,” Toronto Pearson officials said in a social media post. “This means your plane could take longer than expected to reach the gate, or your luggage processing could be delayed.”
The Weather Network is calling for daytime high temperatures around 30C for Toronto for 09JUL, but warned the humidity might make it feel like 36C. And that almost certainly spells trouble for YYZ workers.
Forecasts call for a daytime high of 34C in Calgary on 10JUL, and 33C in Los Angeles that day. But that’s cool and comfortable compared to Rome and Athens, where temperatures are expected to reach the mid-to-high 30’s for the next week or even two weeks.
Not just airport operations that are affected, of course. In Sicily, one small town has said it will limit tourists because there’s not enough water for them.
Travel advisors also have seen the rise of “cool-cations” as tourists book cooler weather destinations over traditionally warm vacation spots, such as opting for Sweden over Spain.
And then there are rising ocean temperatures, which many experts blame for the power of Hurricane Beryl last week and potentially more Caribbean storms this summer and fall.
The heat is on, folks. The heat is on.
