North India, especially the capital city of Delhi, is currently enduring a relentless heatwave, which is not only affecting the populace but also disrupting vital infrastructure and services. The searing temperatures have become a major health hazard, contributing to heat stroke fatalities. Moreover, these extreme conditions are leading to significant flight delays and forcing airlines to impose luggage weight restrictions.
The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi is experiencing operational challenges due to the exceptionally high surface temperatures. This was confirmed by an official from the Civil Aviation Ministry in a press release issued on June 19. The intense heat is having a profound impact on the airport’s functionality, causing notable flight delays.
One of the worst-hit instances involved passengers on SpiceJet flight SG 486, which was scheduled to depart from Delhi to Darbhanga on June 19. The ordeal saw passengers confined inside the plane for over an hour before takeoff, with the internal air conditioning system failing to cope with the soaring temperatures. The cabin temperature reportedly reached nearly 45°C, significantly heightening the risk of heat strokes among the passengers.
Industry experts, as cited by Newsweek, have identified two primary issues that arise when aircraft operate in extreme heat. Firstly, elevated temperatures make it more difficult for planes to achieve sufficient lift during takeoff. This often necessitates reducing the load, which could involve offloading passengers or cargo. Secondly, the air conditioning systems of airplanes become less efficient as they are highly dependent on the jet engines running at full power. Delays on the tarmac can result in these systems failing, leading to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous rises in cabin temperature.
The problem is not unique to India. Airlines worldwide are grappling with similar challenges due to extreme heat.
. Just last week, passengers on a Qatar Airlines flight in Greece experienced severe discomfort and health issues, including nosebleeds and fainting, when the air conditioning system failed in 39°C heat. The conditions on the tarmac were so extreme that the aircraft was unable to take off. In another instance, in 2017, temperatures soaring to 48°C in Phoenix, Arizona, led to the cancellation of over 40 flights.
Explaining the technicalities, an aviation expert outlined that a plane’s lift capability during takeoff is contingent on the air’s density and pressure, both of which are compromised by high temperatures. Hot air is less dense, thereby reducing the aerodynamic lift and making it more arduous for planes to ascend. Additionally, hotter temperatures affect jet engines’ thrust, requiring longer runways to achieve the necessary takeoff speed. Even under optimal circumstances, a reduction in weight might be necessary to safely manage the takeoff pressure, potentially leading to the removal of some passengers and baggage.
Aviation analysts have emphasized that aircraft primarily utilize leftover engine air for their air conditioning systems. When parked, planes switch to backup systems, which are often insufficient for maintaining cooler temperatures, especially when compounded by the additional heat radiating from the tarmac.
In the United States, federal regulations mandate that airlines must maintain a comfortable cabin environment for passengers. To mitigate the discomfort caused by high temperatures, an aviation expert recommends that passengers who find themselves stranded on a hot aircraft should focus on staying hydrated and remaining calm to avoid exacerbating the situation.
The ongoing heatwave crisis has laid bare the vulnerabilities of modern aviation to extreme temperatures. With climate change making such occurrences more likely, there is a growing need for the aviation industry to adapt and enhance its resilience to prevent disruptions and safeguard passenger health in the face of such extreme weather conditions.
The situation demands immediate and coordinated action from both aviation authorities and airlines to implement strategies that mitigate the adverse effects of rising temperatures. This includes investing in more robust air conditioning systems, revisiting operational protocols, and enhancing passenger communication during delays. Such measures are crucial in ensuring the safety and comfort of travelers, even as the mercury continues to rise.
