Here’s everything we do — and don’t — know about the snafu.
Unfortunately, the C-Band sits near the band of frequencies used by aircraft radar altimeters, an instrument that tells pilots how high their plane is off the ground and is crucial for landing airplanes in low visibility conditions.
On Tuesday, Emirates, Air India, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways all announced changes to some flights, citing the issue. Some have added back flights or switched aircraft. International carriers seemed to be caught off guard and had to act quickly because of the length of these long-haul flights.
Domestic carriers have also said they’re monitoring the situation.
Airlines for America, a trade association, said in a statement Wednesday that “because of the agreements the White House reached with AT&T and Verizon yesterday [to delay 5G deployment at major airports], thousands of flights are taking off and landing safety at airports across the country.”
The FAA said in its own statement that it had also cleared more airplanes to fly safely near 5G towers, but “flights at some airports may still be affected.”
“Even with these approvals, flights at some airports may still be…