Published on Tuesday, June 20, 2017

American Airlines cancels dozens of Phoenix flights to beat the heat

American Airlines has proactively grounded dozens of flights out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport amid historic high temperatures.


Temperatures are forecast for 120 degrees today with nearly 50 flights cancelled.


All those services were due to take off or land between 3.00pm and 6.00pm local time.


The maximum operating temperatures of aircraft used on routes into Phoenix are just a few degrees more than temperatures forecast.


Some flights were halted yesterday when ground temperatures reached 118 degrees.


Phoenix's highest ever temperature was recorded at 122 degrees in 1990 when some services were also cancelled.


Customers are being advised to contact American for free flight changes or to request a full refund.


Extreme heat can impact a plane's ability to take off with more thrust needed and depending on the payload a runway may not be long enough to generate the required speed to take off.


 

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