Emirates suspends flights to the United States because of 5G

Emirates, the airline from Dubai, suspended flights to nine destinations in the United States on Wednesday, citing “operational concerns” over the deployment of 5G networks near some US airports.

Several American airlines had warned authorities on Monday of the potential “chaos” that the deployment of ultra-fast mobile internet technology around airports would represent.

“Due to operational concerns related to the planned deployment of 5G mobile network services at certain airports in the United States, Emirates will suspend flights to (nine) American destinations,” Dubai’s economic flagship said on Tuesday.

The measure applies “from January 19, 2022 and until further notice”, Emirates said in a press release, citing nine airports: Boston, Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Houston, Miami, Newark, Orlando, San Francisco and Seattle.

One of the largest airlines in the world for long-haul flights, however, continues to serve New York, Los Angeles and Washington.

The American aviation authority, the FAA, is itself concerned about possible interference between the frequencies used by 5G and those used by on-board instruments essential for the landing of planes in certain weather conditions.

The FAA demanded adjustments to these plans, with mobile carriers AT&T and Verizon ultimately deciding to temporarily delay them. AT&T and Verizon were to activate the new technology on Wednesday.

In Dubai, Emirates assured “to work closely with the aircraft manufacturers and the competent authorities”, hoping for a resumption of flights “as soon as possible”.

str-aem/abx