Concerns over GPS Spoofing and Jamming in Aviation
The issue of increasing GPS spoofing and jamming incidents affecting flights has become a significant concern, as highlighted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This organization represents around 360 airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, and SpiceJet, covering over 80% of global air traffic.
Recent Incidents and Global Impact
- Instances of GPS spoofing and interference have been recorded at major Indian airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai.
- IATA officials have noted a significant rise in these incidents worldwide, necessitating increased vigilance from pilots.
- The GPS loss rate, reflecting the number of GPS loss events per 1,000 flights, is projected to rise from 31 in 2022 to an estimated 59 in 2025.
Emergence and Spread of GPS Interference
- Initially reported in the Middle East, the issue expanded to Eastern Europe due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
- Now, such incidents are also occurring in regions like India, Asia, and Venezuela.
Data and Mitigation Efforts
- The Flight Data eXchange (FDX) program, part of the Global Aviation Data Management (GADM), plays a crucial role in monitoring these trends.
- FDX data indicates a steady increase in GPS interference, not merely linked to flight volume.
- Efforts to mitigate risks include raising awareness and enhancing coordination and communication among relevant stakeholders.
Government Reporting and Response
The Indian civil aviation ministry reported 1,951 instances of GPS interference over two years since November 2023, following an advisory circular by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).