Are prolonged runway delays becoming increasingly frequent? It certainly seems that way, as numerous exasperating incidents have garnered widespread attention in recent times. These incidents involve passengers being stranded on planes for extended periods before their flights are ultimately cancelled.
The most recent occurrence in the spotlight unfolded on a United Airlines flight scheduled to depart from Newark Airport to Rome in early July. According to news reports, passengers endured a seven-hour ordeal on the tarmac, during which they were deprived of food, water, and air conditioning. A similar incident unfolded in July at Las Vegas Airport, involving a Delta flight that remained grounded for three to four hours on a scorching day with temperatures reaching 43°C. As a consequence, several passengers required medical attention, with two individuals even being transported to the hospital, as reported by Reuters.
Why can’t we get off?
Much like delays occurring before passengers board their flights, runway delays can transpire due to various factors, including adverse weather conditions, aircraft mechanical issues, or air traffic control problems.
The challenge arises when the duration of the delay remains uncertain at the outset. The plane might receive an estimated departure slot within an hour, only to face further delays.
To be ready for takeoff when a slot becomes available, passengers cannot be wandering around the gate area. Evacuating everyone from a plane takes time, and the boarding process must be repeated to confirm that all passengers are back on board. During this time, the flight might miss its slot, resulting in even lengthier delays.
Despite the existence of federal regulations aimed at preventing airlines from detaining passengers on grounded planes for protracted periods, these incidents still occur. So, what options do passengers have in such circumstances?
According to the Department of Transportation in the United States (DOT), US airlines are bound by runway delay rules: Domestic flights cannot be held on the runway for more than three hours, and international flights for more than four hours, except under specific safety-related exceptions determined by the pilot. When the delay exceeds two hours, the airline must provide passengers with water and a snack, such as a granola bar. Airlines must also ensure passengers have access to functioning toilets and essential medical care, and maintain a comfortable cabin temperature.
In Europe, regulations stipulate that passengers must be given the option to disembark from the plane after spending five hours on the tarmac. However, this may not always be the best choice for travellers.
Opting to leave the plane does not guarantee the passenger’s reentry, as the airline is not obliged to allow the passenger back on board. This means that a passenger who chooses to deplane might miss their flight and become separated from any checked baggage. If the flight departs without them, they would be responsible for arranging a new flight, as per DOT regulations, and for coordinating the return of any luggage that was loaded onto the aircraft.
Passengers do have the option to lodge a complaint against the airline if they believe they have been mistreated—and may receive compensation if the airline concurs. Contacting your airline’s customer service department via message or phone call might result in offers of frequent flyer miles, travel vouchers, or other gestures of goodwill to mitigate the inconvenience. Although not guaranteed, it’s certainly worth a try.
Climate change is making it worse
Unfortunately, as global temperatures continue to rise, runway delays are likely to become more frequent. A 2017 study from Columbia University’s Climate School suggests that during the hottest parts of the day, 10 to 30 percent of fully loaded planes may need to reduce fuel, cargo, or passengers or wait for cooler conditions to take off.
“Higher temperatures make the air less dense, requiring planes to generate more lift,” according to a recent article from the same institution. “In some cases, they might not have enough runway to achieve the necessary speed or may need to reduce their payload.” According to the university’s 2017 study, in the coming decades, up to 30 percent of fully loaded planes may have to offload fuel, cargo, or passengers during peak heat periods.
This situation potentially paves the way for more runway delays as crews, after boarding, realize that the aircraft is overweight and must make adjustments by removing passengers, cargo, or other items. Adding complexity to the situation, Columbia reports that “high temperatures may also limit how long ground crews can work outside,” potentially leading to further delays in cargo handling or luggage loading.
