Jetstar GPS glitch grounds planes amid solar flare

7NEWS

23-05-2025

A GPS glitch, that could be caused by the sun, has led to flight delays and cancellations around the world.
A number of Jetstar flights have experienced the same glitch, with an estimated 20 planes affected.
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NASA warned of solar flares earlier this week, with bursts of radiation from the sun predicted to affect satellites and radio communications.
The issue caused flight delays on Thursday while engineers reset each system.
7NEWS aviation editor Blake Johnson said while Jetstar is the only Australian airline so far affected by the glitch, it had only affected their Airbus models, called the Neo.
'A fault message appears on the GPS requiring a system reset before the plane can take off,' Johnson said.
'But the cause of the fault is curious (with) NASA warning this week of solar flares and bursts of radiation from the sun that can affect satellites, radio communications — even power grids.
'Jetstar is still trying to pinpoint the problem, but Airbus and Boeing have told the airline other planes around the world are seeing the same fault.'
Johnson said while the glitch is not a major problem, with back-up GPS fitted to each Aircraft, it has caused cancellations and delays.
'It shows even the most modern machines are still susceptible to Mother Nature,' he said.
The sun has entered the solar maximum stage of its 11-year cycle, where we can see its highest levels of activity, including more frequent and intense solar flares.
Jetstar has been contacted for comment.