5G interference flagged by IATA: No cases affecting aircraft ops here

CAAS monitoring matter, conducting live trials even amid lower risk factors in S'pore

- Vanessa Paige Chelvan Correspondent

There have been no cases of 5G-related interference affecting aircraft operations in Singapore so far, but the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is continuing to monitor developments closely as the technology evolves globally.

This comes as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global airline industry body, on Dec 9 flagged concerns about potential 5G interference with aviation systems, which could pose safety risks.

Airline pilots operating in Singapore have not reported any interference issues, said Mr Foong Ling Huei, director of flight standards at CAAS.

The authority has been working closely with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), local telecommunications companies and international aviation regulators to assess the potential impact of 5G technology on aviation.

"The 5G network in Singapore uses a frequency band of 3.45 GHz to 3.65 GHz, which is far away from that used by aircraft radio altimeters at 4.2 GHz to 4.4 GHz," Mr Foong said on Dec 12.

He added that 5G base stations in Singapore also operate at relatively low power emission levels, further reducing the risk of interference.

"Taken together, these factors significantly lower the risk of any potential interference with aircraft radio altimeters," he said.

Radio altimeters are electronic devices that measure an aircraft's height above the ground by transmitting radio waves downward and timing their reflection. This is particularly critical during landing, when precise altitude information is required for automated systems and pilot decision-making.

CAAS has also conducted live trials locally, which did not flag any significant interference to aircraft operations, Mr Foong said on Dec 12.

The authority will continue to work with IMDA, local telcos and international counterparts to ensure the safe coexistence of 5G – and eventually 6G – networks with aviation systems.