David Shepardson, Tim Hepher

(Reuters) – Major international airlines rushed to cancel or reschedule flights to the United States as a result of a 5G rollout. This was despite the fact that two wireless carriers claimed they would delay the rollout.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), warned about potential interference by 5G. This could cause height readings to be affected that can play a critical role in poor-weather landings of some aircraft.

Despite an announcement by AT&T (NYSE:) and Verizon (NYSE:) that they would delay turning on some 5G towers near airports, several airlines still canceled flights. Some others said there was a possibility of more cancellations unless the FAA issues new guidelines in response to wireless announcements.

Dubai Emirates, the world’s biggest operator of the Boeing 777 aircraft, announced that it will suspend nine U.S.-bound flights beginning Jan. 19, which is the date set for 5G wireless service deployment.

Emirates will still operate flights from Dubai to New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC.

Japan’s major airlines All Nippon Airways (Japan Airlines) announced that they will reduce the number of Boeing 777-powered flights.

ANA stated that it would cancel or change the aircraft on certain U.S. flight. According to Skift, an airline publication that reported JAL’s decision to not use the Boeing 777 for U.S. mainland flights, JAL stated it will “until safety has been confirmed.”

According to the airlines, they were responding to Boeing’s notice that 5G signals could interfere with radio altimeter of the 777. This led to restrictions.

Boeing’s spokesperson did not respond immediately.

FlightRadar24’s data showed that the 777, which was used on around 221,000 flights between the U.S. and Europe, was number two in terms of widebody use.

According to industry sources, Boeing issued technical advisory noting possible interference. However, flight restrictions are in the control of the FAA. Unless airlines have special approvals, operations at critical airports will be restricted for the time being.

Radio altimeters are precise in their readings of height above ground during approach. This aids with automated landings and verifying that the jet has landed prior to allowing for reverse thrust.

Air India is a carrier that serves four U.S. cities with Boeing 777s. It announced Wednesday that the flight schedule would change or be reduced.

WORKHORSE JET

Despite wireless carriers delaying the activation of some 5G towers in close proximity to airports, this announcement was made.

Sources in the airline industry said that Wednesday’s flight would be affected by this decision because it was too late for crewing and complex aircraft decisions.

Two people who were familiar with the situation told Reuters that British Airways chose to change from its Boeing 777 flight daily to Los Angeles to an Airbus A380 service to replace it.

It involves pre-positioning the flight crew from Los Angeles for the return leg of the Airbus superjumbo.

Flightradar24 reported that an A350 might also be utilized. The two Airbus jets were cleared by the radio operators, while Airbus is still reviewing its other models.

According to Flightradar 24, the 777 mini-jumbo, a long-haul market workhorse, is still depressed after COVID-19. However, its equivalent freighter has helped reshape the aviation route map in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Some 777s may not be affected. Emirates is a large user of A380s and will be switching to them for Los Angeles, New York, but it will continue to fly the 777 from Washington.

Qatar Airways operates two Boeing 777s as well as A350s from Qatar to the United States. It said that it is evaluating the situation.

The agreement reached with wireless carriers was praised by President Joe Biden, who said it would enable more than 90% wireless tower deployments to take place as planned. Biden stated that they were working to find a permanent and workable solution for these important airports.