Finnair is suspending daily flights to Tartu, Estonia from April 29 to May 31, 2024 in order to implement an alternative approach solution without GPS signal at Tartu Airport.
The approach methods currently used at Tartu Airport are based on a GPS signal. Disturbances that frequently occur in the region affect the usability of this approach method and may therefore prevent aircraft from approaching and landing. Last week, two Finnair flights had to return to Helsinki due to GPS interference after the approaches to Tartu had to be aborted.
Finnair is suspending flights to Tartu for a month, during which the aim is to develop approach methods at Tartu Airport that allow safe and smooth flight operations without a GPS signal. Finnair is the only airline that operates international flights to Tartu.
“We apologize for the inconvenience the suspension causes our customers. Flight safety is always our top priority and since the approach to Tartu currently requires a GPS signal, we cannot fly there in the event of GPS interference,” says Jari Paajanen, Finnair’s Head of Operations.
“The systems on Finnair's aircraft detect GPS interference, our pilots are well aware of the problem, and the aircraft have other navigation systems that can be used if the GPS system does not work,” Paajanen continues. “Most airports use alternative approach methods, but some airports, such as Tartu, exclusively use methods that require a GPS signal to support them. The GPS disruptions in Tartu force us to suspend flights until alternative solutions are found.”
GPS jamming has increased since 2022, and Finnair pilots have reported jamming particularly near Kaliningrad, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. Typically, GPS interference does not affect flight routes or flight safety because pilots are well aware of it and aircraft have alternative systems that are used when the GPS signal is interfered with.
A growing problem, but Glonass and Galileo are also being disrupted
GPS interference is a growing problem that affects not only air traffic but other areas as well. The disruptions can have various causes and pose significant risks, particularly for civil airliners.
Interference with GPS signals can occur in a variety of ways. One option is to use jammers that intentionally send false signals, interfering with GPS navigation. These jammers can be placed on the ground or even on airplanes. Another possibility is so-called jamming, in which the GPS signal is superimposed by strong radio signals, which disrupts the receiving devices.
Russia is known for jamming GPS signals, particularly in certain geopolitical regions such as the Baltic Sea or the Black Sea. The reasons for this are diverse. On the one hand, such disruptions can serve to control or block access to certain areas, especially in conflict regions. On the other hand, they can also be used as a means of political pressure, for example to make military activities more difficult or to monitor them.
Although alternative satellite navigation systems such as Galileo (EU) or Glonass (Russia) exist, they are not immune to interference. On the contrary, they too can be deliberately disrupted, be it for political or economic reasons. For example, it was reported that Russia jammed Galileo signals to hinder the use of European drones in conflict areas.
Interference with GPS signals poses a serious threat, not only to air traffic, but also to the safety and efficiency of other systems that rely on GPS navigation. Therefore, it is important to take measures to detect, prevent and counteract these interferences to ensure the safety and reliability of navigation systems.
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