WASHINGTON – Aviation authorities in the United States have ruled out the use of mobile phones on planes for the “foreseeable future”.
Les Dorr, of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), told the UK’s Daily Telegraph that proposals to lift the ban on in-flight mobiles had been dropped.
The FAA was overwhelmed with feedback from flyers that objected to the use of mobile phones on aircraft. Most cited fears that phones interfere with the controls of a plane.
Airlines planning to allow mobile use include Ryanair, Tap Air Portugal, Air France, Emirates, AirAsia and India’s Kingfisher Airlines.
Those against the use of mobile phones in the air have warned that the Madrid train bombs in 2004 were set off by mobile phones.
UK airline Bmi has delayed the start of its mobile phone trials by six months.
