New Delhi: The Indian government has officially confirmed that GPS spoofing and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) interference incidents have occurred at several major airports across the country, including Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Amritsar. Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu informed Parliament that these disruptions took place while flights were using satellite-based navigation and landing procedures, particularly at IGIA’s Runway 10. Despite the attempted interference, all affected flights landed safely, with conventional navigation systems on other runways ensuring uninterrupted operations.
This marks the first public acknowledgment that GPS spoofing is not an isolated occurrence but spans multiple key airports. The Ministry of Civil Aviation noted that reports of GNSS interference have been filed from airports across India since the issuance of the GNSS advisory in 2023. While the incidents did not compromise flight safety, they underscore the growing vulnerability of India’s aviation infrastructure to technological manipulation and cyber threats.
In response, the Wireless Monitoring Organization (WMO) under the Department of Telecommunications has been tasked with identifying the sources of these disruptive signals. Simultaneously, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced Standard Operating Procedures requiring pilots, airlines, and air traffic controllers to report any GPS or GNSS interference within 10 minutes of detection. These steps aim to enable rapid response, improve transparency, and prevent potential accidents in the future.
GPS spoofing involves sending false signals to navigation systems, causing aircraft to misinterpret their actual location or altitude. Experts warn that while no accidents occurred during the reported incidents, such manipulations can be highly dangerous, especially during critical phases of flight like landing or takeoff. The threat has been increasingly recognized globally, affecting aviation as well as other sectors that depend on satellite navigation for timing, communication, and security.
While the government reassures that flight operations were not compromised, authorities acknowledge the need to strengthen safeguards. Airports are being urged to enhance cybersecurity measures and anti-interference infrastructure. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining redundant ground-based navigation systems alongside satellite-based solutions, ensuring multiple layers of protection against potential technological threats.
The confirmation of GPS spoofing incidents across India’s busiest airports serves as a critical warning for the aviation sector. As investigations continue, the government, aviation authorities, and airlines must adopt a proactive approach to mitigate risks, safeguard passengers, and ensure the reliability of air travel. The incidents highlight the urgent need for coordinated strategies, robust monitoring systems, and swift regulatory action to address the emerging challenges of digital and cyber threats in modern aviation.