British Airways has issued an apology after several passengers were asked to leave a flight before takeoff because the aircraft became too heavy. The incident occurred on August 11, when a BA Embraer ERJ-190 was preparing to depart from Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport to London City Airport, according to a report by People.
British Airways Explains Why Passengers Were Removed
In a statement obtained by People, the airline explained the reason behind the unusual move and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.
British Airways said the decision was due to “extreme temperatures affecting air pressure.”
“Due to the unique nature of the airfield with a short runway, extreme temperatures affect air pressure, so aircraft weight must be reduced,” the statement read. “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.”
The airline confirmed that affected passengers were rebooked on the next available flight and provided with hotel accommodations and transport.
Extreme Heat and Short Runway Caused the Issue
A report in The Sun claimed that the BA Embraer ERJ-190 needed extra fuel for the journey, but the 35°C heat in Italy made the air less dense, requiring more thrust to achieve takeoff.
This challenge was compounded by the short runway at Amerigo Vespucci Airport, which measures only 5,118 feet—roughly half the length of Gatwick’s 10,879-foot main runway. To compensate for the additional fuel needed, the airline had to reduce the plane’s weight by removing passengers.
Passenger Shares Onboard Experience
A British passenger on the August 11 flight told The Sun that the pilot explained the decision was due to extreme heat.
“The staff said 36 would have to be unloaded, but only about 20 people had to get off in the end,” she said.
