United Airlines has disabled Starlink WiFi on some regional jets after pilots experienced static interference with air traffic control radios, raising concerns about Elon Musk’s growing role in U.S.

The Brief

United Airlines grounded Starlink WiFi on Embraer E175 jets due to cockpit radio interference.
Pilots reported static while communicating with air traffic control after Starlink antennae were installed.
United and SpaceX say the issue is minor and expect service to resume after testing.

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LOS ANGELES – Pilots aboard some United Airlines regional jets experienced a surprising form of turbulence recently — radio static tied to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, United has temporarily disabled Starlink-powered Wi-Fi on its Embraer E175 aircraft after pilots experienced interference while communicating with air traffic control. Though the airline says the issue was not considered a safety risk, the static was traced back to newly installed Starlink antennae.

United is now working with SpaceX to investigate and resolve the issue, which may delay the rollout of the high-speed satellite internet system on more aircraft.

Why is Starlink causing problems on United flights?

What we know:

Initial findings offer a limited but telling view of the issue, which appears to be directly tied to Starlink’s recent onboard installation and its interaction with cockpit radio systems.

Roughly two dozen United Embraer E175 jets had been outfitted with Starlink equipment.
Pilots began experiencing static during radio transmissions, prompting a pause in service.
United issued a statement calling the issue “fairly common” with new Wi-Fi installations.
The Points Guy first reported the shutdown, citing internal memos and a public statement.
Starlink service remains suspended on the affected aircraft as tests continue.

What we don’t know:

Despite the swift pause in service, key questions remain about the scope of the interference and whether it could pose broader challenges as Starlink expands in commercial aviation.

Whether the static interference could escalate under different flight conditions.
How quickly the issue can be resolved and Starlink Wi-Fi restored.
Whether other airlines using Starlink have experienced similar communication issues.

The backstory:

Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has rapidly expanded its presence in commercial aviation, marketing itself as a faster, more consistent alternative to traditional inflight Wi-Fi systems. The company has already signed deals with several airlines and boasts global coverage through its low-Earth orbit satellite network.

A United Airlines plane lands at Newark Liberty International Airport in front of the New York skyline on September 17, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

But its rollout hasn’t been entirely smooth. While high-speed connections are appealing to travelers, compatibility with sensitive cockpit electronics is now under scrutiny after this United incident.

What they’re saying:

“United and Starlink teams are working together to address a small number of reports of static interference during the operation of the Wi-Fi system,” the airline said in a statement published by The Points Guy. “This is fairly common with any new airline Wi-Fi provider. We expect the service to be back up and running on these aircraft soon.”

Neither the FAA nor SpaceX has commented publicly on the issue, though both are expected to weigh in if additional safety testing is required.

Big picture view:

This isn’t just about in-flight Wi-Fi. The incident highlights how deeply Elon Musk’s businesses are embedded in critical infrastructure — from internet satellites to rockets transporting astronauts to the ISS. It also comes at a time when confidence in air travel safety is already shaky due to aircraft malfunctions and staffing shortages in U.S. aviation.

What’s next:

United and SpaceX are expected to release an update after reviewing the interference issue. In the meantime, the airline has halted the Starlink rollout on additional aircraft. If the problem persists, it could spark wider industry concern — not only about in-flight internet safety, but about how much of the travel and tech ecosystem now depends on Musk’s companies.

The Source: This report draws primarily from The Wall Street Journal, which first linked Starlink equipment to radio interference aboard United regional jets. Additional details were provided by The Points Guy, which obtained and published United Airlines’ public statement. No FAA or SpaceX statements have been issued as of publication.