Estonia has accused Russia of violating international regulations by interfering with GPS signals, affecting civil aviation across the Baltic region.
Due to the ongoing GPS disturbances, Finnair announced it will temporarily suspend its flights to Tartu, Estonia, starting April 29, to facilitate the installation of alternative navigation systems at the airport.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) acknowledges these disruptions but does not monitor them in real-time. These GPS interferences reportedly affect areas including the north side of the Gulf of Finland and extending into Swedish airspace. In response, flights are being rerouted to alternate airports with better landing aids.
We're suspending our flights to Tartu from 29 April until May 31. The approach methods currently used at Tartu Airport are based on a GPS signal and GPS interference in the area affects the usability of this method. Read more: https://t.co/PjVj91o1BR pic.twitter.com/WqRaf49GPn
— Finnair (@Finnair) April 29, 2024
Lithuanian and German officials characterize these disruptions as part of broader hostile activities by Russia, suspecting Kaliningrad as a source.
Estonia is advocating for a coordinated response among affected nations to address and mitigate the GPS disturbances. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has expressed intentions to raise this issue with both NATO and EU counterparts.
GPS interference in Estonian airspace by RF has affected civil aviation in our region.
In doing so Russia violates int’l regulations.
Discussed the situation with @Braze_Baiba @GLandsbergis @elinavaltonen @TobiasBillstrom
We’ll address the issue with #NATO allies & #EU partners— Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) April 29, 2024
