RIGHT NOW: Finnair pauses flights after GPS interference

Finnair

Finnair pauses flights after GPS interference

Emil Forsberg

Updated 18.27 | Published 17.12

 
Archive image. Finnair plane taking off from Florida. Photo: Chris Urso/AP

Finnair pauses all flights to Estonian Tartu after GPS interference.

The Baltic countries rage and warn of an air disaster.

- It is a threat to our people and our security, says Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

Last week, two Finnair planes on their way to Tartu in Estonia were forced to turn around and go back to Helsinki after GPS interference.

On Monday, the airline announced that it is pausing all flights to Tartu for a month to allow the airport time to prepare new, safe approach methods that do not require a GPS signal.

- We apologize for the inconvenience the suspension causes our customers. Flight safety is always our top priority, and as the approach to Tartu currently requires a GPS signal, we cannot fly there in the event of GPS interference, says Jari Paajanen, Finnair's Director of Operations.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna rages against the GPS interference in the area and says they risk leading to an aviation disaster.

- We consider what is happening with GPSs in the area as part of Russia's hostile activities, and we will definitely discuss it with our allies, he tells the Financial Times.

Experts tell the Financial Times that the sources behind the disturbances are in Russian Kaliningrad.

- We take these incidents seriously. Our relevant institutions are in contact with colleagues in other countries, says Foreign Minister Baiba Braže.

The Kremlin has not responded to the allegations.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP