GPS Spoofing Detected at Major Airports, Government Confirms
The central government has informed Parliament that multiple flights across major Indian airports have reported incidents of GPS spoofing and satellite-navigation interference in recent months. These disruptions were detected at airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Amritsar, raising concerns over aviation safety.
What Happened During the Incidents
Officials said some aircraft approaching Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport experienced irregular GPS signals while using satellite-based landing procedures. Pilots immediately switched to conventional navigation systems and standard contingency protocols, ensuring that flight operations remained safe and uninterrupted. No flight cancellations or emergency situations were reported.
Wider Pattern Across Airports
Similar cases of GNSS interference were recorded at other major airports, indicating the problem was not isolated to Delhi. The incidents have been consistently logged over recent months, especially after authorities strengthened reporting mechanisms. The government has not disclosed the exact number of cases but described the spread as significant.
Government Response and Safety Measures
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India have been instructed to monitor the situation closely, investigate possible sources of signal tampering and reinforce safeguards for satellite-based navigation. Airlines and air-traffic controllers have been advised to follow backup procedures whenever GPS anomalies are detected to maintain safe landings and take-offs.
Impact on Air Travel
While aviation authorities emphasise that all flights remained safe, repeated spoofing attempts pose a long-term risk. Experts warn that sustained interference could affect aircraft relying on GPS-based systems in poor visibility. For now, conventional navigation aids and multiple-layered checks continue to ensure flight operations remain unaffected.
