In Las Vegas, extreme heat has made it difficult for aircraft to take off, prompting American Airlines to offer compensation to passengers and request they take a later flight.
According to the Associated Press, on July 24, American Airlines asked passengers on a flight departing from Harry Reid International Airport in Nevada to voluntarily give up their seats. At the time, local temperatures reached 114 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 46 degrees Celsius.
Local broadcaster FOX5 reported that crew members asked 32 passengers who were already on board to voluntarily disembark. American Airlines provided compensation to those who gave up their seats, and the flight departed later after reducing its weight.
American Airlines explained, "When temperatures are particularly high, it may be necessary to reduce the weight of the aircraft for safe operations," noting that this is a common practice in areas experiencing extreme heat.
The impact of heat on aircraft takeoff is due to air density. As temperatures rise, air expands and becomes less dense. This can reduce the lift generated by the aircraft's wings and the thrust from the engines, potentially requiring a longer runway distance for takeoff.
Before takeoff, airlines calculate whether it is safe to depart based on the aircraft's weight, external temperature, airport elevation, and runway length. If the criteria are not met, they may reduce cargo or passengers, carry less fuel, or delay departure until temperatures drop.
There is no uniform maximum temperature for aircraft takeoff. The Federal Aviation Administration states that limits vary based on aircraft type, weight, and airport elevation. If conditions exceed the operational guidelines set by the aircraft manufacturer, the aircraft cannot operate.
Airports at higher elevations typically have thinner air, and those with shorter runways may struggle to achieve sufficient speed, making them more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat. The AP cited Denver, New York's LaGuardia, and Washington's Ronald Reagan airports as examples that are relatively vulnerable to weight restrictions during high temperatures.
From 2020 to 2025, Harry Reid International Airport recorded an average of about 18 days per year with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), more than double the average from the 1940s to 1960s.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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