Rising Temps Could Limit Aircraft Takeoffs

August 2, 2017

Rising temperatures due to global warming will make it harder for many aircraft around the world to take off in coming decades, says a new study by Columbia University. As air warms, it spreads out, and its density declines. In thinner air, wings generate less lift as a plane takes off. Depending on aircraft model, runway length, and other factors, at some point, a packed plane may be unable to take off safely if the temperature gets too high.

The study focuses on the unexplored risks of changing climate on aviation. If globe-warming emissions continue unabated, fuel capacities and payload weights will have to be reduced by as much as 4 percent on the hottest days for some aircraft. For an average aircraft operating today, a 4 percent weight reduction would mean roughly 12 or 13 fewer passengers on an average 160-seat craft.

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