10 major airlines have signed a letter warning of massive flight disruptions and supply-chain chaos as AT&T and Verizon plan to roll out 5G services

Major US air carriers are warning of massive flight disruptions as AT&T and Verizon roll out new 5G service on Wednesday.

In a letter dated January 17, the airlines said 5G services could disrupt multiple systems in widebody aircraft, cause "chaos" for flights in the country, and potentially strand tens of thousands of Americans overseas. The CEOs of 10 major carriers signed the letter, which was obtained by Insider.

The letter said that every one of the passenger and cargo carriers would be struggling to get people, shipments, planes and crews where they need to be.

The nation's commerce will grind to a halt.

The White House National Economic Council director, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, FAA Administrator, and Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman were all addressed to in the letter.

The airlines are requesting that 5G not be implemented within two miles of key US airport runways. They are calling for immediate intervention to avoid disruptions to passengers, sholders and the supply chain.

The White House, Department of Transport, and FCC did not respond to Insider's requests for comment. Airlines for America did not comment. The FAA will work with the aviation industry and wireless companies to limit 5G-related flight delays.

The 5G service launch of AT&T and Verizon was delayed twice due to safety concerns. The question of how 5G signals could interfere with safety equipment is one of the key issues raised by airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and aviation trade organizations. The FAA and telcos agreed to delay deployment until January 19 to give officials time to work through concerns.

Several airlines were considering canceling international flights that were scheduled to arrive in the US on Wednesday. According to officials, the CEOs of several major airlines and Boeing held a call with Buttigieg and Dickson to warn of massive issues with the roll out.

Boeing told Insider that the transportation industry is preparing for service disruptions.

AT&T didn't comment. Insider asked for comment from the company, but it declined and did not reply.