Global positioning System signals are being jammed using a device that emits radio frequency signals on the same frequencies used by GPS satellites. These interfering signals being sent by the GPS satellites, rendering GPS receivers within the range of the jammer unable to accurately determine their position, speed or time.

As much as 46, 000 aircraft have logged problems with GPS over the Baltic Sea since August, as most GPS problems reported on the GPSJAM.org website have come in eastern Europe, bordering Russia. Some of the flight in and out of Britain are among thousands that have been impacted by suspected Russian jamming of the GPS systems.  Ryan Air have reported 2, 300 flights with incidents of GPS interference since August 2023, Wizz Air 1. 400, British Airways 82, and EasyJet 4.

The Satellite-based GPS is part of an aircraft’s navigation system and interference could pose a safety risk. According to UK government back in March an RAF plane carrying the defence secretary. Grant Shapps, had its GPS signals jammed, while flying near  Kaliningrad, while heading back to the UK  from Poland. Downing Street, however, said the move did not compromise safety of the aircraft, but  was wildly irresponsible.

According to Ryanair aircraft have multiple systems to identify aircraft location  including GPS, and if GPS is not functioning then the crew could switch to one of the alternative systems.