Should Pilots and ATCs Report GPS Spoofing Within 10 Minutes?
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Synopsis
In a critical move to bolster aviation safety, the DGCA has ordered immediate reporting of GPS spoofing incidents. This proactive measure aims to protect air travel integrity and prevent potential hazards in the skies.
Key Takeaways
- The DGCA has mandated rapid reporting of GPS spoofing incidents.
- Reports must include specific details about the aircraft and interference type.
- Recent GPS spoofing incidents were observed near Delhi's IGI Airport.
- Global organizations are concerned about the rise of GNSS spoofing.
- Investigations into GPS interference incidents are ongoing.
Mumbai, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation authority, has mandated that pilots, air traffic controllers (ATCs), and airlines must report any incidents of GPS spoofing and other forms of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference within 10 minutes of noticing such occurrences.
This directive is intended to enhance flight safety and maintain operational integrity, as outlined in a recent circular from the DGCA.
“Any pilot or ATC controller, as well as technical units, who observe any unusual GPS activity—such as position discrepancies, navigation errors, loss of GNSS signal integrity, or indications of spoofed location data—are required to begin real-time reporting within 10 minutes of the event,” stated the regulator.
Recently, multiple instances of GPS interference were noted in the vicinity of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, a facility that accommodates over 1,500 flight movements each day.
The DGCA has urged all relevant parties to promptly document and report specifics, including the date, time, type of aircraft, registration, route, and coordinates of the affected region.
Furthermore, they are encouraged to clarify the nature of the interference—be it jamming, spoofing, signal loss, or integrity errors—and identify the aircraft systems affected. Whenever feasible, they should provide supporting evidence such as system logs, screenshots, or data from the Flight Management System, as highlighted in the circular.
Between November 2023 and February 2025, approximately 465 incidents of GPS interference and spoofing were recorded, primarily in border areas like Amritsar and Jammu.
Numerous airlines have reported issues with GPS signals while operating in or near conflict zones worldwide. The DGCA is actively investigating the spoofing events at Delhi's IGI Airport, with data analysis underway to evaluate the extent and nature of the interference.
On a global scale, both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) have raised alarms regarding the increasing incidents of GNSS spoofing and jamming.
In September, the European Commission indicated that Russia may have been involved in jamming the GPS of a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her trip to Bulgaria.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the DGCA's timely response to GPS spoofing incidents. This directive reflects an authoritative commitment to aviation safety and aims to protect both passengers and crew. By enforcing swift reporting protocols, the DGCA is establishing a robust framework to tackle emerging threats in air navigation, thus prioritizing public safety while enhancing operational transparency.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be reported as GPS spoofing?
Any abnormal GPS behavior such as position anomalies, navigation errors, or loss of GNSS signal integrity should be reported.
What is the timeframe for reporting GPS spoofing?
Reports must be initiated within 10 minutes of detecting GPS spoofing or GNSS interference.
Who is responsible for reporting GPS spoofing?
Pilots, air traffic controllers, and technical units are all responsible for reporting GPS spoofing incidents.
What information needs to be logged during a GPS spoofing incident?
Details such as date, time, aircraft type, registration, route, coordinates, and type of interference must be logged.
How many GPS interference incidents have been reported recently?
Around 465 GPS interference and spoofing incidents were reported between November 2023 and February 2025.
