BA CityFlyer Passengers Removed From Flight Due to Weight Limits in Extreme Heat

British Airways issued an apology after around 20 passengers were asked to leave a BA CityFlyer flight from Florence, Italy, to London City Airport on August 11, 2025, due to aircraft weight restrictions caused by extreme heat.

The Embraer ERJ-190, operated by BA CityFlyer, was preparing for departure from Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport when the crew determined that weight had to be reduced before takeoff. With temperatures in Italy reaching 35°C (95°F), air density was significantly lower than usual, requiring the aircraft to carry additional fuel to safely reach cruising altitude. The added fuel weight meant the jet exceeded safe operational limits for the airport’s short runway.

In a statement, British Airways explained: “Due to the unique nature of the airfield with a short runway, extreme temperatures affect air pressure, so aircraft weight must be reduced. We’re sorry for the inconvenience this caused our customers, and our teams worked hard to get them to their destination as quickly as possible.”

Several passengers told local media that the pilot explained the situation before boarding staff selected travelers to disembark. “It was around 35 degrees, and they needed extra fuel for the engine to run effectively,” one passenger told The Sun. “Staff initially said 36 people would need to get off, but in the end about 20 were removed.”

According to British Airways, the affected customers were rebooked on the next available flights and provided hotel accommodation and transport where necessary.

The incident underscores how rising global temperatures are increasingly affecting aviation, from longer takeoff requirements to aircraft performance challenges at airports with short or elevated runways. The Federal Aviation Administration and European regulators continue to study the impacts of extreme weather on flight operations.


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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com