IATA Urges Enhanced Aircraft Safety Systems Amid 5G/6G Expansion: Implications for Airlines and Investors
IATA Urges ITU to Prioritize Aviation Safety in 5G and Future 6G Deployments
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to ensure that 5G and future 6G networks operating near aviation frequencies do not interfere with radio altimeters and other critical avionic systems. This plea comes as the ITU undertakes comprehensive studies to establish technical conditions for the worldwide implementation of 5G and 6G technologies.
Guidance from these studies, which involves collaboration with national telecommunications regulators and aviation safety authorities, aims to create a long-term framework that balances the need for advanced telecommunications with the protection of vital aviation systems.
IATA has submitted a working paper that outlines operational scenarios and safety requirements essential for shaping future spectrum policies. The association emphasizes the need for these policies to evaluate all critical safety scenarios, including take-off, landing, taxiing, and go-arounds, as well as adverse weather conditions such as turbulence and windshear, and emergency situations. Radio altimeters, which rely on available spectrum for accurate height information in these scenarios, are fundamental for both flight crews and automated safety systems. Additionally, IATA has reiterated the necessity of maintaining a minimum separation of 35 feet (11 meters) between aircraft and terrestrial 5G transmitters.
Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security, stated, “The benefits of 5G and 6G can never come at the cost of aviation safety. Spectrum decisions must be based on real-world aircraft operations, not merely telecommunications industry assumptions. ITU studies must consider the most challenging conditions faced by pilots. Input from aviation stakeholders is crucial to ensure the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) establishes clear global rules for the safe coexistence of radio altimeters and other safety-critical avionic systems with next-generation telecom networks throughout all flight phases.”
5G networks operate across various frequency bands and power levels, with particular attention required for the 5G band adjacent to the Radio Altimeter (RAD ALT) allocation (4.2–4.4 GHz). In several countries, telecom providers have voluntarily adopted mitigation strategies to minimize potential interference with RAD ALT systems. These strategies include reducing transmission power, establishing runway exclusion zones, and angling antennas downward.
However, the next generation of radio altimeters, designed to better resist 5G interference, is not expected to be accessible to airlines until the early 2030s. This creates a mitigation gap, complicating the maintenance of safe airline operations.
Careen expressed concern about the temporary nature of current 5G mitigations, many of which are set to expire soon. “Existing mitigation measures were never intended as long-term solutions. With new spectrum auctions underway and protective measures being lifted in key markets, regulators cannot assume safety will be automatically assured. The industry urgently needs clear, consistent safeguards to bridge the gap until new altimeters become available,” he said.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The ongoing discussions about spectrum regulation for 5G and 6G highlight critical implications for the aviation sector, especially in terms of safety and operational reliability. For businesses in Oman, this presents a dual opportunity: investing in advanced telecom solutions while prioritizing safety in aviation—a key pillar of the nation’s infrastructure. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should focus on collaborating with telecom regulators to develop innovative technologies that safeguard aviation systems during this transitional period, effectively bridging the gap until more robust solutions become available.
