The primary reason that air above the Equator is heated more than at other places on Earth is due to the angle of sunlight. At the Equator, sunlight strikes the Earth's surface more directly compared to higher latitudes, where sunlight arrives at a more oblique angle. This direct overhead sunlight results in more concentrated solar energy per unit area, leading to higher temperatures.
Additionally, the Equator receives consistent solar energy year-round, with little variation in the length of day and night, further contributing to the warming of the air in that region. This phenomenon also plays a critical role in atmospheric circulation patterns, which are influenced by the temperature differences between the equatorial region and the poles.