Multiple Airlines Report GPS Signal Disruption Near Amritsar, Government Informed
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 20, the Indian Parliament was made aware of numerous reports from airlines about GPS disruptions and spoofing incidents occurring in and around Amritsar. The government is actively addressing these challenges through various measures and guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- GPS interference and spoofing incidents reported by airlines.
- A total of 465 cases recorded from November 2023 to February 2025.
- The DGCA has issued guidelines for reporting these incidents.
- Measures include NOTAMs and SOPs for managing disruptions.
- India requires 30,000 pilots in the next 15-20 years.
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) Multiple airlines have reported instances of GPS interference and spoofing while conducting operations in and around Amritsar, as disclosed in Parliament on Thursday.
The disruptions, which affect aircraft navigation systems, have been notably prevalent in the border areas of Amritsar and Jammu from November 2023 to February 2025.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the Lok Sabha that a total of 465 incidents of GPS interference and spoofing have been recorded during this timeframe.
These occurrences involve attempts to manipulate or obstruct GPS signals, potentially misleading the navigation systems utilized by aircraft, he added.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a circular in November 2023, directing airlines to report such interference incidents.
In response, the government has implemented measures to tackle the issue, including issuing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) in regions where GPS disruptions are common, according to the minister.
Furthermore, airlines have adopted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to effectively handle these challenges, he noted.
To mitigate such threats, guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and European Union Safety Agency (EASA) have been enacted.
The government is also ensuring that ground-based navigation systems remain functional, providing pilots with alternative methods should GPS interference occur, the minister stated.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which oversees air navigation services, is consistently enhancing air traffic management systems to improve aviation safety.
The DGCA circular from November 2023 presents a comprehensive action plan for pilots, aircraft operators, and air traffic controllers to manage GPS-related disruptions.
In a related announcement earlier this month, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu revealed that the nation will need around 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years as airlines expand their fleets.
Currently, India has over 6,000 pilots, but with domestic airlines ordering more than 1,700 new aircraft, the demand for skilled pilots is rapidly increasing.
The minister stressed that India should aim to become a hub for pilot training, ensuring that the country can satisfy this growing demand.
