Global Aviation System: Airlines Fear 5G Will Interfere With Planes

Seven major passenger and cargo carriers including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines have warned in letters to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and other top federal officials that the plans by Verizon’s and AT&T to roll out 5G networks will lead to major disruptions in the global aviation system.

The airline executives fear that thousands of flights could be grounded by interference from the technology and that

the nation’s commerce will grind to a halt.

In their letter they cite claims by aircraft manufacturers that the 5G technology could interfere with height sensors in aircraft, which could lead to dangerous situation especially with automated landing systems and during landing approaches with very poor visibility or low-lying clouds. Measures promised by Verizon and AT&T, they state, are not enough to prevent such interference. They asked that 5G technology not be activated within two miles of 50 major airports.
The letter, which was also signed by the chief executives of FedEx Express and UPS Airlines, said that

immediate intervention is needed to avoid significant operational disruption to air passengers, shippers, supply chain and delivery of needed medical supplies.

The Federal Aviation Authoriy (FAA) issued a statement saying that it “

will continue to keep the traveling public safe as wireless companies deploy 5G” and continue to work with the aviation industry and wireless companies to try and limit 5G-related flight delays and cancellations.

In Europe, where 5G antennas have also been installed near airports for almost three years now, there have been no reports of interference by 5G technology.
French authorities have defined two zones around landing strips in which 5G is banned. This was introduced before the new technology was even introduced. In the second zone, particularly strict conditions apply to 5G antennas.

Author: Tim Cole
Image Credit: Pixabay