Aviation faces hotter, stormier skies – and passengers might have to accept more disruption
Are people going to have to increasingly accept more delays and diversions as the effects of climate change intensify?
As temperatures soared during a scorching summer in late June, thunderclouds amassed over southern England and northern Europe, prompting chaos at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Thousands of travelers faced delays and cancellations as air traffic controllers attempted to route aircraft through the storms. Some 900 flights were disrupted, with many delayed by up to 11 hours.
While the recent weather may have cooled, industry experts warn that similar disruptions may become more frequent as climate change intensifies. Tim Atkinson, an airline risk consultant, expresses concern over the crowded skies over the UK and northern Europe, stating that a simultaneous storm affecting all major airports could lead to major consequences.
Andrew Charlton, a former airline executive, expresses more confidence in the industry's ability to handle such situations, but acknowledges that thunderstorms are caused by convective activity, which could become more intense with rising temperatures and moisture levels. While it remains uncertain whether overall thunderstorm frequency will increase, higher latitudes in the northern hemisphere are projected to see more violent storms, potentially causing significant disruptions for passengers and airlines alike.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
