Engineering Against Extremes: How the Aviation Industry is Impacted by Heat
- marketing782207
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
As Britain experiences record-breaking heat this week, with temperatures soaring to 34°C in London and Heathrow on the hottest day this year on Tuesday, airports are buzzing with holidaymakers eager to jet off to their own sunny destinations. But whilst passengers are dreaming of paradise and exotic beaches, the aviation industry is dealing with a less glamorous reality: extreme heat, which is putting pressure on aircraft performance, airport infrastructure, and flight schedules.
As climate change drives up global temperatures, the aviation industry faces mounting challenges. From runway degradation to aircraft performance issues, heat is no longer just a seasonal inconvenience, it’s a structural concern.
Heat’s Impact on Aviation:
Reduced air density affects lift and engine thrust.
Runway surfaces can soften or crack under prolonged heat.
Ground operations suffer from equipment overheating and increased maintenance needs.
Flight schedules shift to cooler hours, disrupting logistics.
At KITE Projects, we believe in engineering for resilience, and design & supply systems which help infrastructure networks - including airports - stay safe and operational under extreme conditions.
Their contributions include:
Heat-resistant materials for handrails, ladders and walkway systems that maintain integrity in high temperatures.
Safe access systems for rooftop and elevated maintenance zones, crucial for inspecting HVAC and radar equipment.
Crash barriers and embankment access solutions that protect critical zones from thermal expansion and wear.
Sustainable engineering practices that exceed compliance.
As airports evolve to meet climate challenges, the collaboration of companies across the network is essential to ensure that safety and access don’t falter when the heat rises - keeping networks moving and people flying. As the climate continues to shift, innovation won’t just keep planes in the sky - it’ll keep infrastructure grounded in resilience.
