Extreme heat from human-caused climate change could make flight delays more common. Here’s why

Airline passengers know to expect possible flight delays when weather forecasts call for thunderstorms, heavy snow, or strong wind. The omens are less obvious on a hot summer day with clear skies.Yet extreme heat also disrupts flights and travel plans. On the hottest days, thinner air can make it harder for aircraft to get off the ground safely. Airlines may have to lighten the load by removing passengers or cargo, or carrying less fuel.The snag is well known at airports in desert climates around the world, from the U.S. Southwest to the Middle East. But even less extreme heat can create si...