GPS disruptions over Europe: Aerial safety at risk amid Russian tactics
Russians are allegedly disrupting GPS signals in thousands of passenger flights over Europe, posing a threat to air traffic safety. According to a report by The Sun, this issue affects flights over Poland and those headed to Turkey and Cyprus.
25 April 2024 08:23
"The Sun" reveals that from the beginning of March this year, Ryanair reported navigation issues on 2309 flights and Wizz Air on 1368 flights within the Baltic Sea region. The disruption also impacted 82 British Airways flights, seven Jet2 flights, four EasyJet flights, and seven TUI flights.
The publication explains that electronic warfare tactics render satellite navigation systems unreliable, leaving pilots uncertain of their routes and struggling to share their locations. False data has sometimes caused aeroplanes to alter course and altitude to avoid non-existent obstacles. Passengers are typically unaware of these navigation issues aboard their flights, "The Sun" notes.
The scope of incidents remains undisclosed
The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) acknowledge the disruptions but assure the public that flights remain safe thanks to backup navigation methods. Air traffic controllers at airports also play a crucial role in guiding planes. Polish authorities, however, keep the details and full scale of such incidents under wraps.
