Heat forces BA to deplane 20 passengers on Florence-London flight

A British Airways flight from Florence to London City was forced to shed about 20 passengers before takeoff as extreme heat made the Embraer ERJ190 too heavy to launch safely. With temperatures around 35C, the air over Italy was less dense, requiring more fuel to reach cruising altitude. At Florence’s short runway, that combination pushed the aircraft’s weight beyond what could be safely managed, prompting the preflight deplaning and a later rebooking for the affected travelers.

The incident, which occurred on August 11, involved a BA jet bound for London City Airport. Because the Florence airport’s runway is significantly shorter than larger hubs, pilots already have a tighter margin for error. When climate conditions reduce air density, aircraft performance drops and more fuel is needed to achieve the required altitude. Airline officials noted that, in such circumstances, weight must be reduced to maintain safety margins. A passenger on board recalled the pilot explaining that people had to get off because of the extreme heat, while staff indicated that an initial target of 36 passengers to disembark was ultimately reduced to about 20.

British Airways acknowledged the...