US aviation industry in crisis due to severe heat

High temperatures in many areas are forcing US airlines to adjust operations in the hardest-hit cities, choosing between cutting fuel or baggage, and in some cases even reducing passengers, to keep planes flying.

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High temperatures in many areas are forcing US airlines to adjust operations in the hardest-hit cities. (Source: American Airlines)

Allegiant Airlines, a unit of Allegiant Travel, said it would delay flights if there was a threat to the safety or comfort of passengers. The announcement came as temperatures in the Southwest continued to hit record highs.

In Las Vegas, where Allegiant is headquartered, excessive heat advisories have been extended through Sunday (local time). Temperatures there have topped 100 degrees Fahrenheit since June 30, according to data from the National Weather Service.

Higher temperatures make the air less dense, reducing engine efficiency and the lift generated at a given speed. This results in a lower take-off weight and a longer take-off distance to generate enough lift. As a result, airlines have to reduce the weight on their planes.

Aircraft are connected to external cooling systems when they are at the gate, but the extreme temperatures can hamper their ability to function. After the plane leaves the gate, in most cases the air drawn into the engines is cooled and then circulated through the cabin.

American Airlines said it is taking extra steps to ensure the air on the jet bridge connecting to the plane is cooled. CEO Robert Isom recently said the airline has also performed early maintenance on the auxiliary components that run the systems on the plane when the engines are off.

Delta, American and United Airlines said ground handlers, baggage handlers and others working outdoors at airports will get more frequent breaks, extra water and cooling towels, as well as access to shaded areas or air-conditioned rooms.

The heat wave has been going on for weeks and is expected to continue through the weekend in much of the Southwest. Aside from Las Vegas, where the high temperature soared to 47 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) on July 16, the Phoenix area recorded temperatures exceeding 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) on July 19-20 and has been above 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) since June 14.

On July 17, some Delta Air Lines passengers voluntarily disembarked a flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta after heat-related weight issues caused delays. In 2017, extreme summer temperatures forced airlines to cancel some flights in Phoenix, mostly those using smaller jets and older aircraft.

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