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Airlines Amp Up Warnings on 5G Service, See Risk of Late Flights

  • Carriers fear interference will cost $2.1 billion in delays
  • Clash between wireless, aviation sectors is coming to a head
Coronavirus - Air traffic restrictions

Photographer: Frank Rumpenhorst/picture alliance/Getty Images

Widespread flight delays in snowstorms and low visibility could occur once new 5G wireless service rolls out in early January, airline executives and aviation officials are warning with increasing alarm.

The officials say the new wireless signals threaten to interfere with equipment on planes and helicopters that track aircraft altitude, which could prohibit landings in poor visibility and create a cascade of delays, diversions and cancellations -- a concern the wireless industry maintains is unfounded.