The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is calling on the Russian Federation to cease interference with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, which pose a serious threat to the safety of civil aviation flights.
ICAO has expressed grave concern over GNSS signal interference originating from the Russian Federation, stating that it presents a direct risk to the safety and security of international flights. This interference affects global navigation systems used in air traffic and has had a particular impact over six European countries: Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Sweden. The disruptions occur both on flights to and from airports in these countries and on transit flights between Europe and Asia.
The ICAO Council emphasized that such actions not only violate the Chicago Convention but also demonstrate a blatant disregard for international law. ICAO has requested that the Russian Federation provide an explanation within 30 days outlining the measures taken to stop the interference. If no explanation is received, the matter will be referred to the ICAO Assembly as a potential violation of international law.
After reviewing a joint report submitted by the six affected countries, the ICAO Council issued a formal demand to the Russian Federation to immediately cease the interference, to comply with the obligations of the Chicago Convention, and to ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future. The President of the ICAO Council has sent an official letter to the Minister of Civil Aviation of the Russian Federation clearly stating these demands.
The decision was based on data submitted by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden. Additionally, the International Telecommunication Union, using monitoring data from these countries, confirmed that the source of the GNSS radio interference is located within the territory of the Russian Federation.
At the ICAO Council session where the GNSS interference issue was addressed, Latvia was represented by the national agency “Civil Aviation Agency.”
Additional information:
Aivis Vincevs
Civil Aviation Agency
Head of Operational Situations
Phone: +371 60001672
Email: aivis.vincevs@caa.gov.lv