Flight operations to and from Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport have been significantly disrupted due to unusually high temperatures at the high-altitude location. Leh, situated at nearly 10,700 feet above mean sea level, has been experiencing temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, creating operational challenges for domestic airlines.
Airlines operating A320 and B737 aircraft to Leh have faced numerous cancellations in recent days. Industry officials confirm that the high temperatures are beyond the control of the airlines, making it difficult to maintain scheduled flights. Specific numbers of flight cancellations on Tuesday remain unclear, but the disruptions have been ongoing.
IndiGo, a major domestic carrier, acknowledged the impact of high temperatures on its flight operations to Leh. A spokesperson for the airline stated, “IndiGo flight operations to and from Leh have been impacted due to the prevailing high outside air temperature in Leh, which is beyond the airline’s control.”
The maximum operational temperature for an A320 Neo aircraft is 33 degrees Celsius. If temperatures exceed this threshold, the aircraft cannot be operated at such a high elevation, explained a senior Airbus pilot. For Boeing 737 planes, the maximum operational temperature at Leh airport is slightly lower, at 32 degrees Celsius, according to a SpiceJet official. These limits are established based on various operational parameters, including the airport’s elevation and surrounding obstacles.
Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, one of the highest commercial airports in the world, sits at an altitude of 10,682 feet above mean sea level. Pilots receive specialized training to handle the unique challenges associated with flying to this high-altitude airport.
Recent weeks have seen persistent high temperatures in the Leh area, leading to the cancellation of several flights. Major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara, all offer services to Leh and have been affected by these disruptions.
Aviation industry officials highlight that high temperatures at high altitudes cause several operational issues, particularly affecting the payload capacity of aircraft. At such altitudes, the air density is lower, and when combined with high temperatures, it becomes increasingly difficult for aircraft to achieve the necessary lift for takeoff.
The disruptions in flight operations at Leh airport underline the complexities and challenges of aviation in extreme conditions, emphasizing the need for careful operational planning and adaptability in response to environmental factors. As temperatures remain high, airlines continue to monitor the situation and adjust their operations accordingly to ensure safety and efficiency.
