More than 40 flights were canceled in Phoenix due the extreme heat anticipated Tuesday, as temperatures were expected to rise past maximum operating temperatures for several aircrafts.
American Airlines canceled dozens of its flights scheduled to depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Tuesday afternoon between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., according to Fortune.
Temperatures were expected to hit 118 degrees Fahrenheit or more by Tuesday afternoon, which is the maximum operating temperature for some of the airline's planes.
A 2016 report from the International Civil Aviation Organization warned that high temperatures could “have severe consequences for aircraft take-off performance, where high altitudes or short runways limit the payload or even the fuel-carrying capacity,” BBC News noted.
American Airlines said it will allow Phoenix passengers with tickets to fly during the hottest parts of the day on Tuesday and Wednesday to change their flights for free or request a refund.
“We continue to offer flexibility for our customers who are scheduled to arrive/depart PHX June 19-21 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.,” American Airlines said in a statement.
The forecast isn't far off from Phoenix’s record high of 122 on June 26, 1990.
“That’s deadly heat no matter how you slice it,” said meteorologist Chris Breckenridge, The Telegraph reported.
Twitter users commented about the canceled flights and heat wave.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.