ICAO Council calls on the Russian Federation to strictly adhere to its obligations and ensure that GNSS radio interference incidents are not repeated in the future

ICAO Council calls on the Russian Federation to strictly adhere to its obligations and ensure that GNSS radio interference incidents are not repeated in the future

The Council expressed serious concern about the harmful effects of radio frequency interference (RFI) on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) on the safety and security of international civil aviation. This was done based on evidence provided by Member States and referring to a recent ruling on a similar serious issue. With particular concern, the Council noted recurring cases of GNSS interference from the Russian Federation affecting international air traffic in six countries.

Therefore, the ICAO Council urged the Russian Federation to strictly comply with its obligations under the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) and the principles set out in its Annexes and international aviation rules, calling on the Russian Federation to ensure that similar incidents are not repeated in the future.

Given the impact of the ongoing GNSS radio-communication link on the safety and security of international civil aviation in the Baltic States and the Eastern and Northern European region, ICAO requested the Regional Office for Europe and North Atlantic (EUR/NAT) to work with the Russian Federation to resolve the issue. In addition, the President of the Council was requested to send a letter to the relevant authorities of the Russian Federation, informing them of the Council’s decision and requesting the Russian Federation to report to the Council within 30 days of receipt of the letter on the appropriate measures taken to comply with the decision of the Council and the obligations under the Chicago Convention and its Annexes.

ICAO will closely monitor further developments on this issue and continue to work with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to ensure the safe operation of the international civil aviation system.