A looming catastrophe threatens air travel as a problem known to authorities for years rears its ugly head this weekend. The clash between 5G signals and radio altimeters could plunge airports into chaos during the peak summer travel season. With 5G expansion finally arriving after multiple delays, airlines must face the consequences of neglecting to upgrade their fleets, leaving many planes susceptible to interference.
For years, the aviation industry has grappled with an unresolved issue that now threatens to disrupt air travel on an unprecedented scale. The problem lies in the conflict between 5G signals and radio altimeters, two technological marvels that have proven incompatible. While both play critical roles in ensuring safe flights, radio altimeters become inaccurate when subjected to the interference caused by boosted 5G signals from cell towers. This becomes especially problematic during low-visibility situations, such as inclement weather during landings, where precise altitude measurements are crucial.
Despite the Federal Aviation Administration’s awareness of the problem, the costs associated with upgrading airline fleets and concerns over 5G’s impact on aviation safety have resulted in delays. Initially scheduled for 2021, the 5G expansion was postponed multiple times until it was finally set for July 1, 2023. However, federal officials have now made it clear that there will be no further extensions, raising concerns about the consequences during the busy holiday weekend before Independence Day.
Planes lacking the necessary upgrades to mitigate 5G interference will be prohibited from landing at airports where such interference exists, particularly when accurate radio altimeters are required. Shockingly, around 20 percent of planes in domestic airlines’ fleets have yet to undergo necessary upgrades. The situation is even worse for international carriers, with 35 percent of their aircraft still awaiting interference mitigation completion for flights to America.
These alarming statistics paint a grim picture as a record-setting 4.17 million Americans prepare to take to the skies during the holiday weekend. One in five domestic flights could face landing restrictions, adding to the challenges and frustrations experienced by passengers. International flights are not exempt either, with one-third of aircraft operated by international carriers facing potential interference issues.
Former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai calls this situation a result of the aviation industry’s “dog ate my homework” excuse, highlighting the lack of proactive action. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg warns of the real risk of delays and cancellations due to airlines’ failure to complete necessary upgrades before the 5G expansion. He acknowledges that this issue represents one of the biggest foreseeable problems affecting airline performance during the summer.
While the 5G situation undoubtedly poses a significant threat to air travel, it is far from the only issue plaguing the industry under the current administration. In March, the Biden administration’s failure to address an Air Traffic Control staffing shortage led to the FAA imposing flight schedule cuts at busy East Coast hubs. This decision exacerbated conditions for passengers and placed additional strain on airlines already grappling with various challenges.
Even before the 5G expansion, flight disruptions were rampant, with over 1,700 U.S. flights delayed and more than 700 canceled in a single morning. These figures, including the staggering 12 percent of LaGuardia departures affected, highlight the fragility of America’s air travel system. Compounding the problem is the fact that the FAA currently lacks a Senate-confirmed administrator, leaving the agency without permanent leadership to address safety concerns and maintain the functionality of the air transportation system.
