SaralnamaThe GPS of a plane carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was jammed on 21 Apr 2024 as it neared Bulgaria. Bulgarian officials suspect Russia caused the interference. The plane landed safely at Plovdiv Airport using paper maps. Bulgaria's air traffic control offered an alternative landing method with ground-based tools. The country reports more navigation jamming since January 2022. Russia denies involvement. Pilots can use backup navigation systems if GPS is disrupted. (Updated 1 Sep 2025, 17:15 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- The GPS of a plane carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was jammed on 21 Apr 2024 as it neared Bulgaria
- Bulgarian officials suspect Russia caused the interference
- The plane landed safely at Plovdiv Airport using paper maps