Why Las Vegas’ extreme heat can force airlines to leave passengers behind

On the hottest days, thinner air can make it harder for aircraft to get off the ground safely.

On the hottest afternoons, pilots’ math shows a full plane can’t claw into the thin air above runways in Las Vegas or Phoenix.

CompaniesUS data center cooling demand and premium products also underpin earningsData centers and European heat waves buoyed Daikin Industries' operating profit to a record April-June high. (Photo by Kento Awashima)SOTA TAKETAZUAugust 5, 2026 07:21 JSTOSAKA -- Daikin Industries grew operating profit by 8% on the year

More than 45 million people from California to the Dakotas are on alert for dangerous heat on Sunday.