Eastern Finnish airports return to using radio navigation system as GPS signal interference persists
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) reported on Monday that nine regional airports in Eastern Finland have been experiencing functional problems with GPS since Sunday afternoon, October 30. GPS disruptions were first reported on Sunday afternoon, with several flights experiencing delays and even cancellations.
Following a preliminary investigation, Finnish aviation officials identified the source of interference to be from Russia, in an effort to prevent drones from entering their airspace. GPS disruptions are affecting the Ivalo, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kajaani, Kemi-Tornio, Kittilä, Kuopio, Oulu, and Rovaniemi airports. Foreign Ministry officials have not yet established contact with Russian officials in Moscow to discuss the GPS interference, but they expect the issue to be resolved quickly.
The decision was made to return to using the old-fashioned radio navigation system after it was discovered that the GPS signal interference was causing problems with the aircraft's navigation systems. This system utilizes ground-based radio beacons to guide pilots during landing and takeoff, and requires constant monitoring by air traffic controllers. While more work-intensive for controllers than GPS, it offers a reliable alternative for the time being.
Traficom stated that the use of the radio navigation system will continue until the GPS interference has been resolved. The agency is working with international partners to determine the source of the interference and to find a solution to the problem.
The return to using the radio navigation system has not caused any major disruptions to air traffic in Eastern Finland. However, passengers may experience some delays as a result of the change. Traficom advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest information on their flights.
The use of the radio navigation system is a reminder of the importance of having a backup system in place for critical infrastructure. GPS is a valuable tool for navigation, but it is not immune to interference. By having a backup system in place, airports can continue to operate safely and efficiently even when GPS is unavailable.
