MORE flights than ever are being delayed or cancelled due to the effects of climate change, airline experts have revealed.
Increasing wind speeds mean runways are forced to close, affecting flight schedules and timing.
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Qantas Home chief executive Andrew David explained to The Australian: “We have seen wind velocities 34 per cent higher than the average of the last 30 years.”
He added that the winds are “prevailing westerly” instead of “south-south-westerly” which has led to the closure of runways at Sydney Airport.
According to new data released by the government, just over three quarters (76.2 per cent) of flights landed on time at the airport in September – falling from the average 82.3 per cent.
On-time departures were just 78.4 per cent, compared to an average of 83.7 per cent.
Qantas cancelled 3.3 per cent of flights in September – up from the 2.2. per cent average.
Andrew added that they were taking the issue of climate change “very seriously” and were working to reduce their emissions.
Despite announcements to be zero carbon emissions by 2050, Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce admitted they couldn’t forget about the “contribution of air travel” to modern society.
He added that the solution wasn’t to “fly less” but to make it more sustainable.
Qantas recently conducted the longest non-stop flight from London to Sydney – taking 19 hours in total.
In celebration of their 100th birthday, they are releasing a limited number of £205 return fares from the UK to Australia – but only until Friday.
Some experts have suggested scrapping air mile schemes as they “encourage” people to take unnecessary flights.
A pilot has explained why flights are more likely to be cancelled during the summer, and it isn’t always because of the weather.
Planes also struggle to land in the snow in the UK but not colder places like Canada due to the type of snow it is.
