National flag carrier Finnair on Monday decided to suspend its daily flights to Tartu, Estonia from April 29 to May 31, said Finnair in a press release.
The airline took the decision so that an alternative approach solution that doesn’t require a GPS signal can be put in place at Tartu Airport.
Earlier, two flights of Finnair failed to land at Tartu airport in Estonia due to Global Positioning System (GPS) interference and had to return to Helsinki Airport on April 26 and April 27.
The approach methods currently used at Tartu Airport are based on a GPS signal. GPS interference, which is quite common in the area, affects the usability of this approach method and can therefore prevent the aircraft from approaching and landing.
Finnair suspends its flights to Tartu for one month, during which time the aim is to build approach methods at Tartu Airport that enable a safe and smooth operation of flights without a GPS signal.
Passengers who have booked flights between Helsinki and Tartu on April 29 – May 35 will receive a cancellation message from Finnair and will be given more information of their options by text message and/or email.
"We apologize for the inconvenience the suspension causes to 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," said Jari Paajanen, Finnair's Director of Operations.
"The systems on Finnair's aircraft detect GPS interference, our pilots are well aware of the issue, and the aircraft have other navigation systems that can be used when the GPS system is unserviceable," Paajanen says. "Most airports use alternative approach methods, but some airports, such as Tartu, only use methods that require a GPS signal to support them. The GPS interference in Tartu forces us to suspend flights until alternative solutions have been established," said the Director.
GPS interference has increased since 2022, and Finnair pilots have reported interference especially near Kaliningrad, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Typically, GPS interference does not affect flight routes or flight safety, as pilots are well aware of it and aircraft have alternative systems in place that are used when the GPS signal is interfered with.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
As a frequent flyer with Finnair, I understand the importance of prioritizing safety. It’s disheartening to hear about the GPS interference issues at Tartu Airport, but I commend Finnair’s decision to suspend flights temporarily for the necessary improvements. Looking forward to flying to Tartu once the new approach methods are in place!
It’s concerning to hear about the GPS interference causing issues for Finnair flights to Tartu. Safety should always come first, so I respect Finnair’s decision to pause the flights until a reliable alternative approach method is established at Tartu Airport.
It’s certainly a wise decision by Finnair to suspend the flights to Tartu until the GPS signal interference issue is resolved. Safety should always come first, and I’m glad they are taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth operation for passengers. Hopefully, the alternative approach methods being implemented will guarantee a secure and efficient travel experience for all. Looking forward to when the flights resume with enhanced safety measures in place.
What’s the reason behind Finnair suspending flights to Tartu? Is there no alternative solution available?
Hey EmilyJohnson, Finnair decided to pause flights to Tartu because of GPS interference affecting the approach methods at Tartu Airport. They are working on alternative solutions to ensure flight safety without relying on a GPS signal. Safety first! 🛫
It’s understandable why Finnair is pausing flights to Tartu in order to address the GPS interference issue. Passenger safety must always come first, and it’s important to have reliable approach methods in place. Looking forward to a smooth operation once the new approach solutions are implemented.
I believe Finnair made the right decision to suspend flights to Tartu temporarily. Safety should always come first, and it’s crucial to address the GPS interference issue for smoother operations in the future. Passengers’ safety should be the top priority, and I appreciate Finnair’s proactive approach to ensure a secure travel experience.
Why is Finnair pausing flights to Tartu for a month? What’s the alternative approach they are implementing?
Finnair is pausing flights to Tartu to implement an alternative approach method that doesn’t rely on a GPS signal. This is necessary following recent GPS interference causing flight disruptions. Safety is their priority.