Is climate change affecting long-haul flights? Research shows: flight times may get longer

▲The latest research shows that climate change can influence flight durations. (Photo / Dagui / Illustration)

By Rita

Long-haul flights, which burn more fuel, are one of the contributors to climate change. But whether climate change might, in turn, affect flight times is something many studies are currently exploring.

According to the travelandleisure website, the latest research shows that airplanes flying over the Pacific Ocean may experience longer flight times due to changes in wind patterns caused by climate change. The reason flight times could be extended is mainly because warmer air may bring stronger winds, particularly affecting flights from Hawaii to the U.S. West Coast. However, researchers also say that the impacts of warming on the other side of the globe require more study to determine whether flight durations will increase or decrease.

Climate change affects not only daily life in ways that may be beyond our imagination. For airlines, climate change will soon be reflected in fuel costs. For travelers, having to spend even more time inside the cabin might be an unexpected consequence.