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Aviation
April 25, 2025

Holiday Flights May Carry Fewer Passengers Due to Warming Climate

As global temperatures rise, airlines may be forced to reduce the number of passengers on holiday flights. Warmer weather affects air density, making it harder for planes to take off with full loads, especially at high-altitude airports or during peak heat. This could lead to lighter aircraft loads, higher operational costs, and potential disruptions for travelers during busy holiday seasons. The aviation industry may need to adapt flight operations to ensure safety and efficiency in a warming climate.

Climate change could lead to aircraft at European airports carrying fewer passengers in the future due to rising temperatures. Researchers at the University of Reading examined how increasing heat influences aircraft take-off performance across 30 European airports. Higher temperatures result in thinner air, which reduces lift - the upward force planes need to take off.

The team focused their analysis on the Airbus A320, a widely used plane for short- and mid-range European routes. They found that, by the 2060s, airports with shorter runways may need to cut take-off weight by the equivalent of about 10 passengers per flight during hotter months.

Dr. Jonny Williams, the study's lead author, explained that global warming will impact both individuals and industries, potentially driving up summer travel costs. Fewer passengers per plane could mean higher ticket prices for popular destinations such as Spain, Italy, and Greece.

He pointed out that hot days requiring weight restrictions at smaller airports - currently a rare occurrence - could become frequent, happening several days each week by mid-century. Dr. Williams also emphasized that although aviation contributes to climate change, the industry will also increasingly suffer its consequences.

The study identified four tourist-heavy locations likely to be most affected due to their short runways: Chios in Greece, Pantelleria and Rome Ciampino in Italy, and San Sebastian in Spain. With extreme heat events expected to become more frequent, these airports will be forced to further limit aircraft weight, reducing efficiency and airline profits.

Larger hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick, with longer runways, are more resilient for aircraft like the A320. However, they may still face operational hurdles with larger jets such as the Airbus A380, which require even more runway length. Beyond limiting passenger numbers, heat may also force airlines to shift flight schedules to cooler times of day. Additionally, rising temperatures could accelerate wear and tear on runways, increasing the need for repairs and maintenance.

The researchers stressed that pursuing a sustainable emissions path could help stabilize these trends, whereas continued high emissions would lead to more severe impacts. Future research will explore other contributing factors such as humidity levels and shifting wind conditions that could also affect aircraft performance during take-off.

For questions or comments write to contactus@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: sciencedaily

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February 21, 2025
February 21, 2025

Dubai Flights Disrupted by Adverse Weather; Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet Services Affected

Adverse weather in Dubai disrupts flight operations, affecting services of major airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. The disruption underscores the vulnerability of air travel to unpredictable weather conditions, causing inconvenience for passengers and highlighting the need for robust contingency plans in aviation managementDubai Flights Disrupted by Adverse Weather; Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet Services Affected Adverse weather in Dubai disrupts flight operations, affecting services of major airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. The disruption underscores the vulnerability of air travel to unpredictable weather conditions, causing inconvenience for passengers and highlighting the need for robust contingency plans in aviation management. In addition to Air India, several other airlines serve routes from various cities in India to Dubai, catering to the significant Indian diaspora residing in the Emirate. Airlines such as Air India Express, Vistara, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate flights connecting Indian cities to Dubai. However, adverse weather conditions in Dubai have disrupted flight operations for Air India. An Air India spokesperson confirmed that flights to and from the Gulf nation were canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the impact of the adverse weather. Such disruptions can inconvenience travelers and underscore the challenges airlines face in maintaining regular operations amid unpredictable weather events. By PTI The recent heavy rains in Dubai have led to significant disruptions in flights from India to the emirate, compounded by flooding at the airport—one of the busiest in the world. Air India, with its extensive network of 72 weekly flights from various Indian cities to Dubai, and IndiGo have been among the airlines forced to cancel their services on Wednesday due to the adverse weather conditions and resulting airport inundation. Such disruptions not only inconvenience travelers but also highlight the challenges faced by airlines and airport authorities in managing operations during extreme weather events. Efforts to mitigate the impact and restore normalcy are likely underway, but travelers are advised to stay informed and check with their respective airlines for updates on flight statuses and rescheduling. In addition to Air India, several other airlines such as Air India Express, Vistara, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate flights connecting various Indian cities to Dubai, which hosts a sizable Indian diaspora community. However, adverse weather conditions in Dubai have led to flight disruptions for these carriers as well. An Air India spokesperson confirmed that flights to and from the Gulf nation were canceled on both Tuesday and Wednesday due to the impact of adverse weather conditions. Efforts are underway to assist affected passengers, including re-accommodating them on alternative flights in the coming days. Furthermore, to provide flexibility to passengers impacted by the cancellations, Air India is offering a one-time date change waiver for those holding valid tickets for April 16th and 17th. This waiver allows passengers to reschedule their flights to future dates within the validity period of their tickets, mitigating the inconvenience caused by the disruptions. On Wednesday, a total of 10 flights from Delhi's airport to Dubai were canceled, along with nine inbound flights from Dubai to the national capital. Unfortunately, detailed information about the canceled flights was not immediately available. An official stated that inclement weather conditions in the UAE have led to disruptions in air travel, resulting in delays and diversions. Specifically, three to four flights operated by Air India Express on April 16th and 17th experienced delays. In response to the inconvenience caused, Air India Express has offered affected passengers the option of a full refund or free rescheduling. IndiGo also confirmed the cancellation of all flights to and from Dubai due to operational challenges arising from adverse weather and road conditions. Similarly, SpiceJet announced on X that flights to and from Dubai have been impacted by the adverse weather conditions prevailing in Dubai. These statements reflect the widespread impact of the adverse weather conditions on flight operations between India and Dubai, highlighting the challenges faced by airlines in maintaining regular schedules amidst such disruptions. Despite the absence of a statement from Vistara, the unprecedented heavy rains that lashed Dubai on Tuesday had significant repercussions, disrupting normal activities and causing flooding at the Dubai International Airport. Dubai International Airport, ranked as the world's second busiest airport in 2023, faced substantial challenges due to the adverse weather conditions. According to data from the Airports Council International (ACI), the airport handled more than 8.69 crore passengers that year. The disruption caused by the heavy rains underscores the vulnerability of even the busiest airports to extreme weather events, highlighting the importance of robust contingency plans and infrastructure resilience in mitigating such challenges. Source: cnbctv18