A Ryanair flight from London Luton to Vilnius was forced to abort landing due to GPS signal interference near the Russian border, diverting to Warsaw, 400 miles away. The Boeing 737 Max was just 850 feet from landing when the pilot decided to change course after experiencing the interference, confirmed by Lithuanian air traffic controllers. No other flights landing in Vilnius were affected, and an investigation has been initiated. This incident follows previous reports of GPS interference in the region, raising concerns for aviation safety amidst increasing incidents of such disruptions. Ryanair has been contacted for comments.
A Ryanair passenger plane was forced to abort its landing after encountering problems with GPS signal interference near the Russian border.
The flight, which had departed from London Luton Airport and was bound for Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, had begun its descent. It then diverted to Warsaw, Poland, 400 miles away.
Lithuanian air traffic controllers confirmed the pilot made a quick decision to land elsewhere after experiencing “GPS signal interference,” The Sun reported.
The Boeing 737 Max approached an altitude of 850 feet and was minutes away from landing at a Lithuanian airport before climbing back up and flying toward the Polish capital.
The country’s Defense Minister Dovir Sakaliene said an investigation had been launched into the incident, but that no other aircraft that landed in Vilnius on Friday were affected.
This comes after Russia was accused of interfering with GPS navigation equipment in Finland last year.
During a Ryanair flight, “GPS signal interference” occurred, forcing a sudden change of destination (file photo)
The flight climbed a few minutes after landing at Vilnius Airport in Lithuania (pictured) and diverted to Warsaw.
Flag carrier Finnair has suspended some flights to Estonia following GPS failures at several Estonian airports.
In the last three months of last year, more than 800 cases of GPS interference were reported by pilots flying to Vilnius Airport.
Aviation experts have warned that the potential for air accidents is increasing as attacks on GPS signals continue.
MailOnline has contacted Ryanair for comment.
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