Dozens of planes have been grounded in Phoenix because of extreme heat. Fifty flights have been canceled or delayed today.
The record-breaking heat wave has forced American Airlines to cancel regional flights that rely on smaller aircraft. That’s because the air’s density is so altered that smaller planes need a longer runway to take off.
Ross Feinstein with American says only shorter routes are being affected.
“It’s not our mainline aircraft that we operate via our Boeing or Airbus fleet, which has a higher threshold when it comes to the temperature,” Feinstein said.
The manufacturer determines the maximum operating temperatures. The forecast shows things may cool a bit later this week.
