5G In Aviation Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Communication Infrastructure (Small Cells ), By Technology, By Connectivity Type (Air-to-Ground Communication, Ground-to-Ground Communication ), By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 20

5G In Aviation Market Summary

The global 5G in aviation market size was estimated at USD 2.68 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 13.64 billion, growing at a CAGR of 31.4% from 2025 to 2030. The market is gaining momentum, driven by the rising need for rapid connectivity restoration in disaster zones, the expansion of non-terrestrial network (NTN) ecosystems, and advances in lightweight, high-throughput phased array antennas.

Governments and defense agencies increasingly use airborne 5G systems for emergency communications. At the same time, investments in HAPS (High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites) and aircraft-based 5G relays are accelerating digital inclusion across remote and underserved regions. Technological progress in compact antenna systems further enhances the feasibility of integrating 5G capabilities into commercial and military aircraft.

The ability to rapidly deploy connectivity has made airborne 5G a strategic asset in disaster management and resilience planning. However, regulatory and airspace certification complexities pose significant challenges. Growing demand from defense and emergency service communication infrastructure represents a major opportunity for the market. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and tsunamis often damage terrestrial communication infrastructure, leaving affected regions isolated. In such scenarios, airborne 5G platforms mounted on drones, aircraft, or HAPS (High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites) can quickly re-establish high-speed networks. For example, connectivity gaps hindered emergency coordination after the 2023 earthquake in Turkey and Syria until temporary satellite and UAV-based communication systems were deployed. Similarly, during wildfires in California, aircraft equipped with communication payloads enabled situational awareness and real-time coordination among firefighting teams

These mobile 5G systems are increasingly considered critical tools for defense agencies, first responders, and humanitarian organizations, enabling real-time video transmission, GPS coordination, and data sharing when terrestrial networks are down.

Governments and private players are increasingly investing in HAPS, satellites, and other aerial platforms to extend mobile connectivity beyond the limitations of terrestrial networks. These NTNs enable 5G coverage in remote, maritime, or underserved areas and play a critical role in disaster response, defense, and rural broadband access. For instance, in May 2025, Space42’s subsidiary Mira Aerospace opened MENA’s first High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi. The 4,500 m² center will produce over 20 UAVs annually, boosting the UAE’s sovereign aerospace capabilities and supporting the National Space Strategy 2030 with advanced R&D and commercialization efforts.

Similarly, in September 2024, Ericsson joined the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA), an initiative focused on advancing Direct-to-Device (D2D), IoT services, and NTNs through space-based systems. MSSA is working to build a global NTN ecosystem using L- and S-band spectrum integrated with mobile devices via 3GPP standards. These developments reflect a broader shift toward integrating aerial and orbital assets into terrestrial infrastructure. The expanding NTN ecosystem redefines aviation connectivity, extending 5G coverage to previously unreachable airspaces, supporting dynamic in-flight communication, and enabling mission-critical services in defense, disaster response, and remote operations.

Defense forces require high-bandwidth, low-latency links for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), UAV operations, and tactical coordination. Also, emergency agencies depend on real-time situational awareness and rapid connectivity restoration during crises such as earthquakes or wildfires. Airborne 5G relays and HAPS can establish mobile communication hubs over affected zones when terrestrial networks are compromised. For instance, deploying lightweight phased-array antennas on UAVs and aircraft enables quick setup of temporary 5G backhaul links in hostile or damaged environments. The opening of Space42’s HAPS facility in Abu Dhabi underlines growing defense-focused innovation, while Ericsson’s involvement in MSSA shows cross-sector commitment to building globally scalable, satellite-enabled mobile networks. This convergence of aerospace, telecom, and defense technologies unlocks new operational resilience across mission-critical environments.

The deployment of airborne 5G systems faces significant regulatory hurdles, especially concerning spectrum licensing, airworthiness certification, and cross-border airspace usage. High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS), which operate in the stratosphere (approximately 20 km above ground), fall into a grey zone between traditional aviation and satellite regulations. For example, SoftBank’s HAPS project encountered delays due to unclear jurisdictional policies on stratospheric flight operations and a lack of harmonized frequency allocations under ITU frameworks. In the U.S., all UAV-based systems require compliance with FAA Part 91 (general operating rules) or Part 107 (for small unmanned aircraft), which were not developed with high-throughput airborne networks in mind. Internationally, inconsistent licensing requirements and a standardized certification path for communication payloads further complicate deployment. This regulatory fragmentation hampers the global scalability of NTN platforms, causing extended

delays and cost overruns for operators and technology developers alike.

Global 5G In Aviation Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global 5G in aviation market report based on communication infrastructure, technology, connectivity type, end use, and region:

• Communication Infrastructure Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Small Cells
• Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
• Radio Access Network (RAN)
• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
• Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC)
• Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC)
• Connectivity Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Air-to-Ground Communication
• Ground-to-Ground Communication
• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Aircraft
• Airport
• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
• UAE
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
• South Africa

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