As the summer months bring rising temperatures, air travel can be impacted by heat waves. According to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor Cary Grant, a hot summer day can affect flight operations just like snow or ice. High temperatures cause air molecules to spread farther apart, making the air less dense and takeoff more challenging.

How Heat Affects Aircraft Performance

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states that airlines must either use a longer runway to gain more speed or reduce the weight of the aircraft to ensure a safe departure. In some cases, airlines can reduce aircraft weight by offloading cargo or passengers, or by reducing the amount of fuel loaded, which may require a fuel stop to reach the intended destination.

Extreme heat can also affect crew members and passengers. Airport ground crews in hot climates can be exposed to oppressive heat, and airlines must protect their health. The FAA also notes that temperatures sometimes exceed the maximum temperatures the plane was subjected to during testing, making it impossible to fly.

In recent years, heat waves have become more frequent and hotter, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This means passengers are more likely to experience delays and cancellations due to hot weather. As Grant advises, passengers should be flexible and look at these situations as an opportunity to get something from the airline that they are paying for.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.