Flight operations to and from Leh, situated at nearly 10,700 feet above sea level, are being disrupted due to high temperatures. Domestic airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara, which operate A320 and B737 aircraft to Leh, have been canceling flights recently due to the heat.

An IndiGo spokesperson stated that their operations to and from Leh are affected by the high outside air temperature, which is beyond the airline's control. For the A320 Neo aircraft, the maximum operating temperature is 33 degrees Celsius, while for Boeing 737 planes, it is 32 degrees Celsius, according to industry officials.

A senior Airbus pilot explained that maximum operating temperatures are determined based on various factors, including the airport's elevation and surrounding obstacles. The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, at an altitude of 10,682 feet, requires pilots to undergo special training for operations due to its high elevation.

Recent weeks have seen temperatures in the Leh area exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, leading to flight cancellations. High temperatures at high altitudes reduce air density, making it difficult for aircraft to take off, causing operational issues related to aircraft payload, officials noted.