More than 40 flights have been canceled in Phoenix due to record-high temperatures on June 20 because some aircraft can’t function at temperatures above 118 degrees.
The canceled flights are part of the airline’s regional flight system, and are operated by other carriers that use Bombardier aircraft, which are not permitted to fly when temperatures exceeding 118 degrees, American Airlines said.
Smaller aircraft, such as those made by Bombardier, are more vulnerable to heat than larger, more powerful aircraft. Heat expands the air, making it less dense, and reduces lift.
Phoenix is experiencing one of the worst heatwaves in decades. The temperature reached 118 degrees on Monday, which ties with a record set last year. The National Weather Service (NWS) sent out a tweet to mark the event.
