A plane carrying the European Union’s chief, Ursula von der Leyen, suffered navigation disruption from suspected Russian interference as it approached Bulgaria on Sunday, but it landed safely and intact. A Commission spokesperson called it “GPS jamming” and said Bulgarian authorities suspect “blatant interference by Russia.”
The Commission said “threats and intimidation are a regular component of Russia’s hostile actions” and that the episode would reinforce its commitment to “ramp up our defence capabilities and support for Ukraine”. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the Financial Times that its information was “incorrect.”
Bulgaria confirmed the satellite signal to the plane’s GPS was neutralised, and air traffic control offered an alternative landing method using terrestrial navigation tools. The Financial Times, citing unnamed officials, reported that von der Leyen had to land at Plovdiv Airport using paper maps.
Bulgaria’s Air Traffic Services Authority said a “notable increase” in navigation jamming since January 2022 has caused havoc to commercial flights and shipping. Experts have warned that Russia’s actions have disrupted satellite navigation systems and affected thousands of civilian flights.
Von der Leyen was visiting Bulgaria on a tour of eastern EU states to discuss defence readiness, and the GPS jamming underscores vulnerabilities in satellite navigation and air safety. The disruption is likely to strengthen EU momentum for increased defence measures and continued support for Ukraine.
