A recent World Bank report, titled 'A Livable Future: A New Climate Reality for South Asian Cities', issues a stark warning regarding the future of aviation in India. The report forecasts that extreme heat will increasingly lead to significant operational disruptions at major Indian airports, with New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) identified as particularly vulnerable.
Delhi Airport Faces 50°C Temperatures by 2030
According to the World Bank's projections, Delhi's IGIA is among a select group of major global airports expected to experience temperatures approaching or exceeding 50°C for multiple days each year by 2030. Such extreme conditions pose a direct threat to aviation operations, impacting both aircraft performance and safety.
High temperatures significantly reduce air density. This reduction directly affects aircraft lift and engine performance, making take-offs more challenging. To ensure safety under these conditions, airlines may be forced to implement measures such as reducing passenger loads, carrying less cargo, or burning additional fuel. These adjustments can lead to delays, cancellations, and increased operational costs, contributing to significant Delhi Airport flight disruptions.
Broader Impact on South Asian Transport Infrastructure
The challenges posed by rising temperatures extend beyond aviation. The report highlights that extreme heat is already degrading transport infrastructure across South Asia. Roads and airport runways constructed with inadequate bitumen grades can soften and deform under prolonged high temperatures. Examples cited include highways in Bangladesh melting during 2024 heatwaves and sections of India's Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway developing severe rutting due to unsuitable asphalt specifications.
Railway infrastructure is also at risk, with steel tracks prone to expansion and buckling, necessitating speed restrictions and disrupting services. These widespread impacts underscore the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure planning and design across the region.
Heat's Effect on Travel Patterns and Commuters
Beyond physical infrastructure, extreme heat influences travel patterns and public health. On exceptionally hot days, passengers often postpone journeys or opt for private vehicles over public transport, affecting ridership and revenues for bus and metro operators. Furthermore, heat-related illnesses among transport workers can severely impact operational efficiency, as observed in Kolkata where bus services were rescheduled due to driver illness and declining midday ridership.
The report also emphasizes the disproportionate exposure of poorer commuters to extreme heat. In Mumbai, 63% of low-income households walk to work, while a Delhi Metro study revealed that commuters spend approximately 38% of their total trip time walking, increasing their vulnerability to heat stress.
Recommendations for Resilient Transport Systems
To mitigate these challenges, the World Bank recommends designing transport systems that prioritize public health and operational performance. Key suggestions include implementing shaded bus stops, ensuring better-ventilated vehicles, and providing access to drinking water. These measures are crucial for improving commuter safety and maintaining the efficiency of essential transport services in a warming climate.