Extreme Heat Disrupts Flights in Phoenix and Beyond
Extreme heat is increasingly causing disruptions to air travel, particularly in desert climates like Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as at airports with high elevations or short runways. On the hottest days, thinner air reduces lift and engine thrust, forcing airlines to lighten aircraft loads by removing passengers, cargo, or fuel. Researchers attribute this trend to human-caused climate change, which is making such conditions more frequent. For example, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has averaged 43 days per year with temperatures of at least 110°F (43°C) since 2020, a significant increase from previous decades. Similar trends are observed in Las Vegas and Palm Springs, California, where extreme heat days have also surged. 
