Emirates Suspends 9 U.S. Routes Citing 5G Rollout Uncertainty

An Emirates 777-300ER lines up on the runway for a test flight at Paine Field. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

[ News ]January 18, 2022 3:18 pm ET

By Aviacionline

In view of the launch of 5G C-band mobile networks in the U.S. scheduled for Wednesday and the growing concern about the impact it will have on the safety of air operations in certain scenarios, Emirates will suspend its flights to nine airports.

The Dubai-based airline issued a statement informing that flights to and from Boston (BOS), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Newark (EWR), Houston (IAH), Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), Seattle (SEA) and San Francisco (SFO) will be suspended ‘until further notice.’

This communication also instructs bases around the world not to accept passengers with destinations to these airports, while only those with confirmed tickets to New York/JFK, Washington (IAD), or Los Angeles (LAX) will be able to travel to the United States.

The company said it ‘regrets any inconvenience caused’ and that it is ‘working closely with aircraft manufacturers and relevant authorities to alleviate operational concerns’ and hopes to resume service to the United States soon.

Emirates joins a growing list of global airlines suspending some U.S. flights, including All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines, and Air India.

Major U.S. telecommunication firms AT&T and Verizon have agreed to temporarily slow 5G rollout in some regions pending additional research per MarketWatch.

This story was originally published on Aviacionline.

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Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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