Airlines Report 623 Cases of GPS Spoofing in Delhi Airspace Between January and February
Synopsis
In a concerning revelation, airlines have reported 623 instances of GPS interference in Delhi airspace during the first two months of this year. This highlights ongoing challenges in aviation safety linked to GPS spoofing.
Key Takeaways
623 GPS spoofing incidents reported in Delhi airspace.
Overall GPS interference cases from Nov 2023 to Dec 2025 total 2,354.
DGCA has issued advisories for handling GNSS interference.
ICAO identifies GNSS spoofing as intentional Radio Frequency Interference.
Disruptions often require manual intervention from air traffic controllers.
New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) A total of 623 instances of GPS interference have been documented by airlines operating in the Delhi airspace during the months of January and February this year, as reported in Parliament on Thursday.
From November 2023 to December 2025, the overall count of reported GPS interference incidents stands at 2,354, noted the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, in response to a Lok Sabha inquiry.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released an Advisory Circular on November 24, 2023, aimed at tackling Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in the airspace. Furthermore, a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) was published on November 10, 2025, for the real-time reporting of GPS spoofing and GNSS interference incidents around the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, the Minister elaborated.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has consistently informed the Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO) about GPS interference and spoofing incidents for thorough investigation, he added.
GPS spoofing-related disruptions are a worldwide issue, particularly heightened in regions surrounding conflict zones, the Minister pointed out.
Cybersecurity threats in the aviation sector manifest as ransomware and malware attacks. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recognizes GNSS spoofing as a type of intentional Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).
The ICAO GNSS Manual outlines a comprehensive mitigation strategy that includes preventive and reactive measures, continuous threat monitoring frameworks, risk assessments, and the implementation of mitigation barriers. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also disseminated guidance to airlines regarding these issues.
Previously, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu indicated that contingency procedures were activated for flights encountering GPS spoofing as they approached Runway 10 at Delhi Airport. There were no disruptions to flight operations on other runways where traditional navigational aids were functioning.
GPS spoofing results in erroneous navigation data, such as inaccurate aircraft positions and misleading terrain alerts, which jeopardizes flight safety, according to pilots and air traffic control personnel.
Such incidents have been recorded within a 60 nautical mile radius of Delhi, often necessitating manual intervention from air traffic controllers who provided direct navigation instructions to cockpit crews.
Point of View
The rise in GPS spoofing incidents poses a significant challenge to aviation safety in India. While measures are being taken to address the issue, the frequency of these incidents underscores the need for heightened vigilance and robust cybersecurity protocols within the aviation sector.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GPS spoofing?
GPS spoofing refers to the act of sending false GPS signals to mislead a GPS receiver about its actual location.
How does GPS spoofing affect aviation safety?
GPS spoofing can provide incorrect navigation data, leading to potential safety hazards such as miscalculations of aircraft positions.
What measures are being taken to combat GPS spoofing?
The DGCA has issued advisories and standard operating procedures to address GPS spoofing incidents and improve real-time reporting.
Why is GPS spoofing a global concern?
GPS spoofing incidents are particularly frequent in regions near conflict zones, posing risks not just locally but on a global scale.
What organizations are involved in addressing GNSS interference?
Key organizations include the DGCA, ICAO, and IATA, all of which have implemented various strategies to mitigate GNSS interference.
