British Airways removes passengers from Florence flight due to extreme heat and runway constraints

A flight from Florence operated by British Airways was forced to offload 20 passengers because high temperatures and a short runway compromised its safe operation, highlighting wider concerns over climate impacts on aviation infrastructure.

On August 11, 2025, British Airways faced the unusual necessity of removing 20 passengers from a flight departing Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport due to extreme heat conditions. The flight, an Embraer ERJ-190 destined for London City Airport, was affected by temperatures reaching around 35°C, which demanded additional fuel to ensure the plane could reach cruising altitude safely. The compounding factor was Florence’s short runway—less than half the length of Gatwick’s main runway—intensifying the operational constraints and ultimately forcing the airline to reduce the aircraft’s weight by offloading passengers.

A British mother on the flight recounted that although initially staff said 36 people would need to disembark, only about 20 volunteered to leave. The airline explained that the hot weather made the air less dense, which reduces both the lift generated by the wings and the engine thrust needed to achieve takeoff speed. Pilots use a measure called “density altitude,” an adjusted altitude based on air temperature and pressure, to determine whether aircraft can safely depart under prevailing conditions. In this case, the density altitude was high enough to exceed the plane’s safe operational limits, necessitating a reduction in passengers to accommodate the extra fuel required. A spokesperson for British Airways acknowledged the inconvenience and emphasised their efforts to get affected passengers to their destination as quickly as possible, highlighting the unique physical challenges presented by Florence’s airfield.

This incident is not isolated, as British Airways has encountered similar operational difficulties at Florence in the past due to runway length and weather conditions. Earlier in 2023, an Airbus A320neo flight was diverted to Pisa after it could not land at Florence due to adverse weather, forcing passengers to take a bus for the final leg of their journey. Such diversions and offloading practices underscore the logistical complexities of operating flights from airports with limited infrastructure and variable climatic conditions. Reports from aviation commentators note that Florence’s short runway and sometimes extreme weather—including high temperatures and strong winds—often compel weight restrictions or require route alterations, making it a challenging destination for airlines to serve reliably.

Experts warn that with ongoing global warming, incidents related to extreme heat adversely affecting flight operations may become more commonplace, particularly at airports with shorter runways and limited capacity. This could ultimately have broader implications for flight availability, cost, and passenger convenience in warmer regions. The experiences of British Airways at Florence serve as a case study in adapting to these emerging challenges, reflecting the need for flexible operational planning in an increasingly unpredictable climate. Historical parallels can also be drawn with other airports facing similar challenges, such as London’s City Airport, where hot weather has occasionally necessitated removing passengers from flights to maintain safety margins.

Overall, the episode involving British Airways’ Florence flight highlights the intricate balance between aircraft performance, environmental conditions, and airport infrastructure, and points to an evolving landscape of aviation operations in a warming world.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of prior publication. The earliest known publication date is August 11, 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. No recycled content or republishing across low-quality sites was identified. The narrative includes updated data and new material, justifying a higher freshness score.

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the narrative. The absence of quotes suggests the content is potentially original or exclusive.

Source reliability

Score:
7

Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, British Airways, which adds credibility. However, the report is based on a press release, which may present a one-sided perspective. No unverifiable entities or fabricated information were identified.

Plausability check

Score:
9

Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and consistent with known operational challenges at Florence Airport. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, such as the offloading of passengers due to runway length and weather conditions. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a minor concern. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communication.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is original and based on a recent press release from British Airways, providing updated information on an incident at Florence Airport. The absence of direct quotes and the reliance on a single source are noted, but the content is plausible and consistent with known operational challenges at the airport. No significant credibility risks were identified.