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Finnair has announced the temporary suspension of its daily flights to Tartu, Estonia, from April 29 to May 31. This pause will allow for the implementation of alternative approach methods at Tartu Airport that do not depend on GPS signals. Currently, the airport’s approach relies on GPS, but frequent GPS interference in the region can disrupt this method, impacting flight safety and operations. For instance, last week, GPS disruptions forced two Finnair flights to return to Helsinki instead of landing in Tartu.
During this one-month suspension, efforts will focus on developing reliable approach techniques that ensure safe and smooth operations without the need for GPS. Finnair is the sole international airline serving Tartu.
Affected passengers who have booked flights between Helsinki and Tartu during this period will be notified of the cancellations by Finnair and will receive further information about their options via 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,” says 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.”
Since 2022, there has been a rise in GPS interference, with Finnair pilots particularly noting disruptions around Kaliningrad, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Generally, such GPS disruptions do not impact flight paths or safety because pilots are prepared for these occurrences and aircraft are equipped with backup systems that activate when GPS signals are compromised.
The post Finnair to Refine Navigation at Tartu Airport, Suspends Flights in May appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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