India’s highest airfield faces flight cancellations amid heat wave

Leh, July 31: In an unusual turn of events, IndiGo and SpiceJet were compelled to cancel four flights to Leh on Tuesday, July 30, due to an unprecedented heat wave in the typically cooler region. This marks the fourth consecutive day of flight disruptions to India’s highest airfield.
Sources reported that since Saturday, July 27, a total of 16 flights have been cancelled as unexpectedly high temperatures have made safe landing and takeoff conditions difficult in Ladakh. The ongoing heat wave has raised concerns about the impact of climate change on traditionally cooler areas.
Authorities and airlines are closely monitoring the situation, but passengers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and potential further cancellations. The extreme weather conditions have highlighted the vulnerability of high-altitude regions to climate anomalies and the need for adaptive measures in the aviation industry.
Leh sees 15-16 arrivals and as many departures daily. Situated at an altitude of 3.3 km above sea level, it is among the highest elevation airfields in the world. “High temperatures at that altitude, where air is rarefied, mean engines cannot develop the thrust required to take off with a commercially viable load,” sources added.
High temperatures of over 32 degrees Celsius at Leh Airport have caused operational challenges. This marks the first time that extreme heat has led to such disruptions at Leh, emphasizing the urgent need for the aviation industry to adapt to changing climatic conditions.