Finnair suspends flights to Tartu for a month due to GPS interference

Finnair announced the suspension of its daily flights to Tartu, Estonia, from April 29 to May 31, 2024, because GPS interference at Tartu Airport currently prevents safe aircraft approaches. The airline typically uses GPS-based approach methods, but interference in the region has made these approaches unreliable, forcing two Finnair flights to divert to Helsinki recently. During this period, Finnair aims to develop alternative approach methods at Tartu Airport that do not require GPS signals, enabling safe and smooth operations. Passengers with bookings between Helsinki and Tartu during the suspension period will receive cancellation messages and option information. Finnair is the only airline operating international flights to Tartu. GPS interference, which has increased since 2022, is noted especially near Kaliningrad, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean, but typically does not affect flight safety as pilots can use alternative navigation systems. Jari Paajanen, Finnair's Director of Operations, emphasized flight safety as the top priority and explained the suspension's necessity.