Air travel chaos looms as US keeps 5G altimeter refit deadline

Air travel chaos looms as US keeps 5G altimeter refit deadline

US airlines face possible disruptions as a deadline to retrofit planes with new sensors to address 5G interference looms, despite concerns. Telecoms firms have previously delayed 5G rollout to allow airlines to adapt, and many airlines have warned they will not meet the 1 July deadline. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation companies previously warned that 5G could interfere with aircraft altimeters.

Major tech companies, including Verizon and AT&T, agreed to delay 5G technology until 1 July 2023 to allow airlines time to retrofit their altimeters. The International Air Transport Association has said that the decision not to extend the deadline makes summer disruptions more likely, estimating that the cost to upgrade planes is $638m.

What is the potential impact of the US not delaying the deadline for airlines to retrofit planes with new sensors to address 5G interference?