GPS Interference Forces Ryanair flight to Divert from vilnius to Warsaw
A Ryanair flight bound for vilnius Airport was abruptly diverted to Warsaw, Poland, due to GPS signal interference, according to Lithuania’s air navigation authority.The Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, originating from London’s Luton Airport, was moments away from landing in Vilnius when the incident occurred.
The plane had descended to an altitude of 259 meters before the pilot decided to abort the landing and reroute to Warsaw, approximately 400 kilometers away. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 confirmed the unexpected diversion.
“The plane experienced GPS signal interference,” a spokesperson for Lithuania’s air navigation authority stated, emphasizing that the decision to divert was made by the pilot. “All other planes were landing at the airport as usual,” the spokesperson added, highlighting the isolated nature of the incident.
This is not the first time GPS interference has disrupted flights in the region. Last year, finnair paused several flights to estonia following similar disturbances, prompting airports in eastern finland to reintroduce customary radio navigation equipment.
Lithuania’s Defense Minister, Dovile Sakaliene, confirmed that the incident is under investigation.The country has seen a sharp increase in GPS interference reports, wiht pilots logging over 800 instances in the last three months of 2024, compared to just 124 during the same period in 2023.
While modern airliners are equipped with multiple sensors and positioning systems to ensure safe navigation even during GPS disruptions, the frequency of such incidents raises concerns about regional airspace security.
| Key Details | Data |
|——————|—————–|
| Flight | Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 |
| Origin | London Luton Airport |
| destination | Vilnius Airport (diverted to Warsaw) |
| Cause | GPS signal interference |
| Altitude | 259 meters before diversion |
| GPS Interference Reports (2024) | Over 800 instances |
The recurring issue of GPS interference in the region has sparked debates about its origins. Estonia and Finland have previously accused Russia of jamming GPS navigation devices in the area, a claim that Russia has consistently denied.
As investigations continue, the aviation industry remains vigilant, ensuring that pilots are equipped with the tools and training necessary to handle such disruptions. For now,the skies above Lithuania remain a focal point for both technological resilience and geopolitical tension.
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