How Extreme Heat Disrupting Airplanes and Airports

Douglas McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief at Climate Crisis 24/7, explains how rising temperatures are making air travel more hazardous and costly. Speaking from New York City, McIntyre details how extreme heat is increasing turbulence in the atmosphere—especially over the U.S. Southwest—and reducing aircraft engine efficiency. These changes pose safety risks during landings and may require airports in hot cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas to invest in longer runways, raising both safety and economic concerns.