United Airlines has temporarily suspended SpaceX Starlink Wi-Fi service on about two dozen of its regional Embraer E175 aircraft after flight crews reported static interference affecting cockpit radio communications.
The airline, which launched Starlink connectivity in May 2024, confirmed the issue does not compromise flight safety. As a precaution, the system was deactivated while engineers from United and Starlink work to resolve the interference.
Flight crews noticed static on VHF radio channels, especially after communicating with air traffic control, indicating a possible Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) problem—where electrical systems interfere with each other’s operation.
Although the Embraer E175 received FAA Supplemental Type Certification for Starlink installation in April 2025, the interference reveals the challenges of integrating new technologies into existing aircraft systems.
A United spokesperson said, “United and Starlink teams are addressing a small number of static interference reports,” noting such issues are not uncommon during Wi-Fi system integration.
United and Starlink have identified a solution and started applying updates during scheduled maintenance to minimize operational disruption. About one-third of affected planes have had service restored, with full rollout expected within weeks.
Other airlines using Starlink, including Qatar Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, and airBaltic, have not reported similar issues, suggesting the problem may be unique to United’s E175 configuration or installation approach.
This case highlights the importance of rigorous EMC testing in the industry as airlines increasingly adopt advanced low Earth orbit satellite internet systems like Starlink—balancing passenger demand for high-speed connectivity with uncompromised flight safety.
