Airlines Face 5G Compliance Deadline on July 1

Transportation officials warn of possible travel disruptions next week due to a lack of equipment to prevent interference.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 03:46 PM ET

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Since 2020, airline industry officials have voiced concerns that interference caused by 5G signals could possibly compromise radio altimeters aboard airliners, which can constitute a safety hazard in low-visibility situations. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Full activation of 5G C-Band wireless service on Saturday could interfere with aircraft radio altimeters, potentially causing travel delays and safety issues for planes lacking updated equipment, especially in low visibility.
The FAA has mandated airlines upgrade aircraft with 5G-tolerant altimeters or filters, with a compliance deadline of February 2024, but operational restrictions apply immediately to non-compliant planes.
While major carriers like American, United, and Alaska report completing retrofits on their mainline fleets, some airlines like Delta will implement operational limitations for non-updated aircraft until upgrades are finished.

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The looming deadline of the full activation of 5G C-Band wireless service on Saturday could potentially lead to travel delays next week, transportation officials warned, as some air carriers may not have installed equipment needed to prevent interference.