The Swedish Transport Agency reports a significant increase in GPS disruptions over Swedish airspace, with incidents linked to Russian territory. The number of reports has surged from 495 last year to 733 this year, posing a serious safety risk to civil aviation. The disruptions now cover a larger geographical area, affecting both water and land regions. Despite the challenges, pilots have alternative navigation methods if satellite systems fail.
Dramatic Surge in GPS Disruptions Over Swedish Airspace
Dramatic Surge in GPS Disruptions Over Swedish Airspace
The Swedish Transport Agency raises the alarm. GPS disruptions over Swedish airspace have increased dramatically. – Recently, the disruptions have increased both geographically and in scope, says Andreas Holmgren from the Swedish Transport Agency. The disruptions can be traced to Russian territory, according to the agency.
The number of reports about GPS problems for aircraft in Sweden is rising dramatically.
In 2023, 55 reports of GPS issues were submitted to the Swedish Transport Agency. Last year, that number was 495 – and so far this year, 733 reports have been received.
According to the Swedish Transport Agency, even more incidents have likely occurred, but the dark figure is large. This is because foreign airlines flying over Sweden often only report to their own country's aviation authority.
The disruptions also occur over a larger area than before, the agency states.
– Recently, the disruptions have increased both geographically and in scope. Now the disruptions occur over a larger area both over water and land areas in Sweden, says Andreas Holmgren, head of unit at the Swedish Transport Agency in a press release.
Recently, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was affected by GPS disruptions, and the pilot had to resort to paper maps to land the plane.
According to the Swedish Transport Agency, the GPS problems are serious.
– This is serious and poses a safety risk for civil aviation, not least considering the scope, duration, and nature of the disruptions. At the same time, it is important to remember that pilots have more options to navigate well if the satellite-based system fails, Andreas Holmgren further states.
The text is being updated