Lois Larson
Airports and airplanes are notoriously chilly places. While some airports, like those in Scandinavian countries, are cold due to the outside temperature, others maintain a low temperature indoors. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it is easier for passengers to add layers to warm up than to cool down. Secondly, fire does not spread as quickly in cooler environments, and thirdly, electronics and flight systems perform better in cooler environments. Additionally, maintaining a cool cabin temperature can help prevent hypoxia, a condition where the body does not receive enough oxygen, which can occur at high altitudes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why are airports cold? | Fire does not spread as quickly in a cold environment. |
| It is easier to add layers of clothing than to remove them. | |
| People coming from warmer climates may find the airport temperature comfortable. | |
| Airports with cold temperature correction procedures | Stockholm Arlanda, Oslo Airport, Helsinki Airport, Provo Airport, San Francisco International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, London Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham |
| Coldest airport in the world | Yakutsk in Russia's Sakha Republic |
| Who controls the temperature on airplanes? | Pilots and flight attendants |
| Why are airplanes cold? | To prevent hypoxia, a condition where the body doesn’t receive sufficient oxygen |
| To ensure the optimal functioning of flight systems | |
| To prevent the spread of fire | |
| Typical airplane cabin temperature | 22°C and 24°C (71°F and 75°F) |
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What You'll Learn
Why are airport terminals cold?
While there is no standard temperature for airport terminals, they are often kept on the cooler side. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it is a matter of personal preference, as most people prefer indoor temperatures to be cooler rather than warmer. This is especially true in airports, where people tend to dress for cooler temperatures and may be rushing to and from flights.
Another reason for cooler airport temperatures may be fire safety. While fire does not spread more slowly in cooler environments, solvents and other flammable substances vaporize more slowly, which could help to slow the spread of a fire.
Additionally, some people believe that airports are kept cold to save money on energy costs. However, this is unlikely to be the primary reason, as the cost of heating a large space like an airport terminal is relatively small compared to the revenue generated by airport operations.
It is also worth noting that not all airports are cold. In fact, some airports in colder climates, such as those in Scandinavian countries, are known for their efficient winter operations and ability to remain open even during heavy snowstorms.
Finally, while not directly related to airport terminals, it is important to mention that airplane cabins are typically kept cooler to prevent hypoxia, a condition where the body does not receive enough oxygen. Cooler temperatures help to reduce the body's oxygen demand, lowering the risk of hypoxia-induced fainting or dizziness.
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Why are planes cold?
While some passengers may complain about the cold on planes, the cool temperatures serve critical purposes related to safety, health, and passenger comfort.
Firstly, the cool temperatures help prevent hypoxia, a medical condition that occurs when body tissue doesn't receive enough oxygen. High cabin pressure and warm temperatures can further this reaction, making it more likely for passengers to faint. By keeping the cabin cool, airlines reduce the risk of hypoxia and ensure the comfort and safety of their passengers.
Secondly, maintaining a cooler cabin temperature ensures that the plane's equipment operates optimally. Flight control systems and cockpit instruments perform best in cooler environments, and excessive heat could lead to malfunctions. Therefore, a cooler cabin temperature is not just about passenger comfort but also about ensuring the optimal functioning of critical flight systems.
Additionally, the low humidity levels in airplane cabins, typically around 20% compared to a typical indoor humidity of 40-60%, contribute to the feeling of cold. This dryness makes the air feel cooler than it actually is, and the lack of moisture causes the body to lose heat more quickly.
Furthermore, cooler temperatures in the cabin help improve air circulation and minimize the risk of overheating during long flights. With hundreds of passengers packed tightly together, bodies generate significant heat. By setting the air conditioning systems to lower temperatures, airlines can prevent the cabin from becoming uncomfortably warm.
To stay comfortable during flights, passengers are advised to dress in layers, bring warm accessories like socks or a travel blanket, and stay hydrated to combat the effects of low humidity. While the cool temperatures may be uncomfortable for some, they are necessary to maintain safety and comfort at high altitudes.
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Cold Temperature Restricted Airports
The FAA's risk-based process identified the coldest temperatures at these airports over a five-year period and calculated the probability of a pilot exceeding the required obstacle clearance. If the probability surpassed 1%, that specific segment of the approach received a temperature restriction. The temperature correction procedure became mandatory for all pilots in September 2015.
The Cold Temperature Restricted Airport list is updated annually and published in the general notices section of the Notices to Airmen Publication (NTAP). However, in June 2020, the FAA discontinued the NTAP, and the Cold Temperature Restricted Airports information is now available on the FAA's Terminal Procedures and Airport Diagrams webpage.
It is important to note that pilots must be aware of and make the necessary altimeter corrections for cold temperatures. Failing to do so can result in the pilot unknowingly being dangerously close to terrain or obstacles during descent.
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Cold weather flight delays
Cold weather can cause significant flight delays and cancellations, as seen in various US regions. Winter storms, snow, sleet, and freezing rain can severely impact air travel, creating a domino effect of disruptions. For instance, Winter Storm Freya caused over 4,600 flight delays and cancellations across US airports, affecting airlines such as JetBlue, American, Air China, United, and British Airways.
Cold weather can impact multiple aspects of air travel. Firstly, it poses safety hazards on runways and taxiways, leading to reduced airport operational capacity. This, in turn, results in flight delays and cancellations to ensure safe operations. Additionally, cold weather can cause mechanical issues with aircraft, requiring additional time for maintenance and repairs, further contributing to delays.
The impact of cold weather on flights extends beyond the immediate weather conditions at the airport. Weather events in one region can affect air travel across the entire country due to the reuse of aircraft for multiple daily flights. A delay in one region can lead to a cascade of disruptions throughout the day, affecting subsequent flights and destinations. This ripple effect can result in widespread delays and cancellations, even in regions experiencing favourable weather conditions.
To manage the challenges posed by cold weather, airlines and airports implement various strategies. These include issuing travel waivers, allowing passengers to rebook their flights without additional charges, and providing flexible travel options. Airlines may also offer refunds to travellers whose flights are significantly delayed or cancelled if they choose not to accept alternative arrangements.
It is essential for travellers to stay informed and proactive when facing potential cold-weather flight delays. Checking flight status before departing for the airport, reviewing weather updates, and adjusting travel plans accordingly are crucial steps to mitigate disruptions. While cold weather can pose significant challenges to air travel, staying vigilant and responsive can help travellers navigate these obstacles more effectively.
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Coldest airports in the world
There are several airports around the world that experience extremely cold temperatures. Some of the coldest airports in the world are located in remote and frigid locations, where they must contend with harsh weather conditions such as high winds, snow, and ice.
One of the coldest airports is Yakutsk Airport, located in the Sakha Republic of Russia, also known as Siberia. The average winter temperature in Yakutsk is around -38°F (-39°C), and the city is regarded as one of the coldest in the world. The airport serves as a vital transport hub for the region, connecting Yakutsk to other cities in Russia. The airport's importance is further emphasized by the lack of roads leading into the city and the quick-freezing rivers.
Another extremely cold airport is Alert Airport, located on the northeastern tip of Ellesmere Island in Canada. Alert is a military outpost and is the world's northernmost permanently inhabited settlement. Temperatures at the airport have been known to dip down to nearly -50°C in the winter.
The Jack F. Paulus Skiway, used by the US Air Force to resupply the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, also experiences extremely cold temperatures. While specific temperature data for this location is not readily available, Antarctica is known for its frigid climate.
Other airports mentioned in discussions of extreme cold include those in Antarctica, as well as Gibraltar Airport, which has a unique location with its landing strip starting in the ocean and intersecting with the city's main road. Additionally, an airport in Scotland stands out as it is naturally lit during the day and washed away by the tide once a day.
These airports present unique challenges and showcase the resilience of aviation operations in extremely cold environments.
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Frequently asked questions
Airports are not always cold, but some maintain cooler temperatures for a variety of reasons, including:
- Preventing fires, as fire does not spread as quickly in cooler environments.
- Preventing passengers from experiencing hypoxia, a medical condition where the body does not receive enough oxygen.
- Ensuring the optimal functioning of flight systems, as excessive heat could lead to malfunctions in critical systems.
People may feel colder at the airport due to the low humidity levels, which are often around 20% compared to a typical indoor humidity of 40-60%. The lack of moisture in the air causes the body to lose heat more quickly. Additionally, passengers sitting still for long periods can feel colder than they would at home in a similar environment.
The coldest airport in the world is Yakutsk in the Sakha Republic, Russia. With average winter temperatures hovering around -39°C (-38°F), it is known as one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth.
