High Temperatures Disrupt Leh Flight Operations

High temperatures at Leh's high altitude are causing disruptions in flight operations. Domestic airlines, operating A320 and B737 planes, have been canceling flights due to these extreme conditions. The maximum operating temperatures for these aircraft are 33°C and 32°C, respectively, limiting their operation at this elevation.

High temperatures at high altitude are disrupting flight operations to and from Leh, located at nearly 10,700 feet above the mean sea level.

Domestic airlines operating A320 and B737 planes at Leh airport have been canceling some scheduled flights in recent days due to high temperatures, according to industry officials.

Specific details about the number of Leh flights canceled on Tuesday were not available.

An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed that flight operations to and from Leh have been affected due to the persistently high outside air temperatures, which are beyond the airline's control.

The maximum temperature at which an A320 Neo aircraft can operate is 33 degrees Celsius. Once temperatures exceed this threshold, the aircraft cannot operate at Leh's altitude, a senior Airbus pilot explained.

For Boeing 737 planes, the operational maximum at Leh airport is 32 degrees Celsius, per a SpiceJet official.

The pilot noted that maximum operational temperatures are set after considering various parameters, including airport elevation and surrounding obstacles.

The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, situated at an altitude of 10,682 feet, is among the highest commercial airports globally. Pilots receive special training for flights to this airport.

Recent temperatures in Leh have mostly exceeded 30 degrees Celsius, leading to flight cancellations.

IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara all offer services to Leh. Aviation industry officials noted that high temperatures are causing operational challenges, particularly relating to aircraft payloads.

At high altitudes like Leh, lower air density combined with high temperatures complicates aircraft takeoffs, industry officials explained.