High temperatures results in forcing flight cancellations in Leh

Indigo on Monday cancelled its flights to Leh citing high temperature in the region that led to runway restrictions.

The mountainous region has been witnessing an uptick in temperatures as climate change continues to hit India's cold desert.

It is worth mentioning that for a Boeing 737 plane, the maximum temperature for operation at Leh's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is 32 degrees Celsius, which is located at an altitude of 10,682 feet above the mean sea level.

Leh Airfield marks the most difficult approach for pilots in India. Aircrafts flying to and from Leh are specially equipped for high-altitude operations.

Flight operations at high-altitude airports are often affected by high temperatures due to key aerodynamics, aircraft performance, and safety factors.

High temperatures at these airports reduce air density, impacting lift, engine thrust, and required runway lengths.

To ensure safety, airlines may impose weight restrictions, extend takeoff distances, or cancel flights altogether when temperatures exceed certain limits.