GPS ‘instability’ disrupts Embraer E2 jets as investigation launched

A GPS “instability” problem has disrupted Embraer E2 operations around the world, with about 200 aircraft operated by 24 airlines reportedly affected by the fault.

The issue reportedly impacted E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft fitted with Honeywell’s Primus Epic 2.0 avionics.

Airlines operations impacted by GPS instability 

Operators including Brazil’s Azul, Porter Airlines and Virgin Australia reported disruption linked to the issue.

Azul, which first detected the issue, took precautionary measures on Tuesday by temporarily grounding a large proportion of its E2 fleet.

The decision disrupted flights throughout the day however they began returning to normal later that evening.

Flights operating from airports in Brasília, Congonhas (São Paulo) and Santos Dumont (Rio de Janeiro) were all affected. 

Issue grounded Embraer aircraft worldwide

Embraer said it had received reports of GPS instability affecting several aircraft types, including its E2 family, and was working with operators and Honeywell to investigate the problem and provide technical support.

The manufacturer has stressed that while the issue could disrupt airline operations, it did not constitute a flight safety hazard. 

“The global fleet of E2 aircraft has navigation systems and procedures to operate even in conditions of instability in the GPS system, capable of ensuring safe operation in accordance with the applicable requirements of civil aviation authorities,” said Embraer.

The E2 family has navigation systems and procedures that allow the aircraft to continue operating during GPS outages, it said.

Honeywell separately said that it was investigating a global problem involving the reception of GPS signals, but has not publicly identified the cause.

Embraer and Honeywell launch investigation

Media reports suggest the fault is triggered when one of the affected Embraer aircraft is powered up on the ground before departure. 

Resetting the system can temporarily restore GPS reception, although the problem reportedly returns and can lead to the aircraft being grounded.

The issue is understood to have affected a wide range of airlines, including KLM and Luxair, which temporarily suspended E2 operations.

Embraer and Honeywell are continuing to investigate the cause of the GPS instability.

The risk of GPS spoofing and jamming is rising

While there is no indication that the cause of the instability affecting Embraer aircraft is deliberate or malicious, spoofing or jamming of GPS signals has become a major issue for the global aviation industry. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged governments to make Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio frequency interference (RFI) a top safety priority, warning that deliberate jamming and spoofing are becoming a persistent and escalating threat.

Last year, IATA published a plan to mitigate the risk of GNSS interference. At the time, it reported that the number of GPS signal loss events had increased by 220% between 2021 and 2024.