Why has Air India cancelled US flights due to 5G introduction and what is the connection?

Air India had cancelled 8 flights to the US after the United States rolled out 5G wireless networks. However, India was not alone in these cancellations. Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Emirates also cancelled flights to the US for the same reason. Singapore Airlines, has changed the type of aircrafts flying to the US and will fly Airbus instead of Boeing where the impact of the 5G interjection is better managed.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had highlighted three risks. Firstly, communication with air traffic control (ATC) could get impacted. Secondly aircraft auto systems to regulate speed of aircraft on the runway would get impacted. Lastly, there was the possibility that the braking system of aircraft could suddenly fail. While CEOs of airline companies have created a furore, both AT&T and Verizon dismissed these concerns.

The last word is to be said. The 5G service in the US uses a segment of radio spectrum very close to ones used by altimeters, that measure aircraft altitude. 5G could disrupt signals and send wrong messages. AT&T and Verizon are of the view that FCC had set a buffer between 5G band and aircraft spectrum to allay safety concerns. One solution could be how France reduced power of 5G networks near airports. Hopefully, this should get resolved soon.