On August 11, 2025, a British Airways flight departing from Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport faced an unusual, but increasingly familiar, challenge: extreme summer heat forced the removal of 20 passengers before takeoff. The incident, widely reported by outlets such as The Sun and BBC, highlights how rising global temperatures are reshaping the realities of air travel, especially at airports with shorter runways.
The flight, an Embraer ERJ-190 bound for London City Airport, was scheduled to carry a full load of passengers. But as the mercury soared to 35°C (95°F), the plane’s ability to safely leave the ground came into question. In aviation, high temperatures mean thinner air, which in turn reduces lift—a critical factor for takeoff. To compensate, aircraft require more power and, crucially, more fuel. But more fuel means more weight, and that’s where the problems began.
Florence’s runway, at just 5,118 feet, is less than half the length of London Gatwick’s 10,859-foot strip. According to The Sun, this short runway makes it particularly vulnerable to heat-related disruptions. With the combination of extreme heat and the airport’s limited runway, the British Airways crew realized the fully loaded Embraer would be too heavy to take off safely. Pilots routinely check what’s called “density altitude”—a calculation that combines air temperature, pressure, and humidity to determine how well an aircraft will perform. On this day, the numbers simply didn’t add up in favor of a safe departure.
British Airways initially asked for 36 volunteers to step off the flight. In the end, 20 passengers agreed to disembark. The airline quickly arranged alternative flights, hotel accommodations, and ground transport for those affected, as confirmed by both BBC and The Sun. "We’re sorry for the inconvenience this caused our customers, and our teams worked hard to get them to their destination as quickly as possible," a British Airways spokesperson said, acknowledging the disruption and emphasizing the airline’s commitment to passenger care.
One British passenger on board recounted, "The pilot said the passengers had to get off because of the heat. At first, 36 people said they had to get off, but in the end, only about 20 people got off." The episode, while frustrating for those involved, was an unavoidable safety measure. As Dr. Johnny Williams, an aviation expert at the University of Reading, explained to The Sun, "In the 2060s, small airports may have to limit their weight three to four days a week in the summer." He added, "Flights to Spain, Italy and Greece are likely to rise further as climate change reduces the number of people on board."
This incident wasn’t an isolated event. Similar operational headaches have been reported by airlines across southern Europe, where summer heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. The science behind it is simple but unforgiving: as air gets hotter, it becomes less dense, and aircraft engines must work harder to generate enough lift. This means more fuel is needed, increasing the plane’s weight. At airports with shorter runways, this leaves little margin for error.
British Airways’ experience in Florence is just one example of how extreme weather is testing the limits of aviation infrastructure. The airline has faced other heat-related challenges as well. On May 24, 2025, passengers on BA104, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flying from Dubai to London Heathrow, endured a two-hour tarmac delay in sweltering conditions after a technical failure left the cabin without air conditioning. Temperatures inside the plane reportedly reached 47°C (116.6°F), with children stripped down to diapers and passengers struggling to stay cool. The cause was an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) malfunction, which prevented the air conditioning from operating while the plane was parked. Once again, British Airways had to apologize and work to resolve the situation, but the incident underscored the growing risks posed by extreme heat events.
These operational disruptions are not just an inconvenience for travelers—they signal a deeper shift in the aviation industry. As climate change accelerates, experts warn that such incidents could become more common, especially at airports with limited runway lengths or older infrastructure. Airlines may be forced to reduce passenger loads, increase ticket prices, or invest in new aircraft and technology better suited to hot-weather conditions.
Airports, too, are feeling the pressure. Some are considering extending runways or upgrading ground equipment to better handle heatwaves. Others are investing in real-time weather tracking and more sophisticated flight planning tools. As BBC notes, "Rising summer temperatures across Europe are raising concerns for airports with shorter runways. Aviation experts note that as climate change intensifies, weight restrictions may become more frequent."
For travelers, the message is clear: expect more unpredictability, especially during peak summer months. Delays, last-minute passenger removals, and rerouted flights may become part of the new normal. While airlines like British Airways are working to minimize disruption and keep passengers informed, the reality is that safety must always come first.
The Florence incident serves as a stark reminder that the aviation sector is on the front lines of climate change. As Dr. Williams and other experts suggest, the industry will need to adapt quickly—whether through technological innovation, infrastructure upgrades, or changes in operational protocols. For now, passengers flying in and out of heat-prone regions should pack a little extra patience along with their sunscreen.
As the world gets hotter, the skies are getting bumpier—not just with turbulence, but with the operational challenges that come from trying to lift heavy metal into ever-thinner air. For airlines and travelers alike, adapting to this new climate reality will be an ongoing journey.
