Significant Surge in GPS Disturbances Threatens Aviation Safety in Swedish Airspace
Sweden faces a sharp increase in GPS disturbances, raising aviation safety concerns and prompting international responses.
Key Points
- • 733 GPS disturbances reported in 2025, up from 55 in 2023.
- • Average of three disturbances per day noted in 2025.
- • The source of disturbances is linked to Russian territory.
- • Sweden and Baltic states have raised concerns with ICAO.
In 2025, Swedish airspace is experiencing a dramatic rise in GPS disturbances, raising urgent safety concerns for aviation. According to the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen), a total of 733 disturbances have been recorded this year alone, marking an alarming increase compared to 55 disturbances in 2023 and 495 in 2024. This equates to an average of three incidents per day, with the geographical impact of these disturbances expanding to both maritime and land areas.
Transportstyrelsen officials, including Andreas Holmgren, have highlighted the serious implications for civil aviation, emphasizing that reliance on satellite navigation systems is critically hindered by these disruptions. There is widespread evidence linking these disturbances to activities originating from Russian territory. A notable incident involved a flight carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which reported GPS issues, necessitating navigation with paper maps.
In response to the escalation of these disturbances, Sweden, alongside five Baltic states—Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland—has formally raised concerns with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The ICAO Council has conveyed serious apprehensions regarding these disturbances and is urging Russia to comply with international obligations, as this matter is set to be addressed in the upcoming ICAO General Assembly. The continuous rise in GPS interference presents a critical challenge to aviation safety in the region.