Dozens of Flights to Phoenix Canceled Over Heat Wave

American Airlines has canceled dozens of flights to Phoenix because it says its aircraft cannot handle the scorching summer temperatures in the area. As of Monday evening, the airline had announced that more than 40 flights were canceled to and from Phoenix on Tuesday. The cancellations don’t affect all flights by the airline, but regional flights that use smaller jets with a lower maximum operating temperature than most planes. A company spokesperson said the Bombardier CRJ aircraft used by the airline can tolerate a temperature of up to 118 degrees Fahrenheit, while Phoenix is expected to see a temperature of at least 120 degrees on Tuesday. Passengers were told they could either rebook their flights or get a full refund.