Several major airports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Amritsar, have recently faced issues with GPS signal interference, authorities confirmed. This interference is known as “GPS spoofing,” where fake signals are sent to aircraft, making their navigation systems show incorrect positions or directions.
At Delhi airport, flights approaching the runway reportedly saw their positions on navigation systems shifted by several miles. Pilots and air traffic controllers noticed these differences, raising safety concerns. However, officials said no accidents occurred, as backup navigation systems on the ground were still working properly.
The government has launched a formal investigation to trace the source of these fake signals. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is working with the Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO) to identify where the spoofing signals are coming from.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reminded all pilots and air traffic staff to report any suspected GPS interference immediately. Reports should be filed within 10 minutes of noticing unusual readings. This step is part of ongoing efforts to make air travel safer and more secure.
Authorities have stressed that while GPS-based navigation helps with precise landings and efficient flight operations, traditional ground-based navigation systems remain fully functional and are important for safety. These systems act as a backup when GPS signals are not reliable.
Experts say these incidents highlight a potential vulnerability in aviation, as GPS signals can be disrupted by intentional interference or cyberattacks. Strengthening security measures and monitoring systems is now a priority for India’s aviation network.
Passengers were advised not to worry, as flight safety has not been compromised, and air travel continues as normal. The investigation aims to prevent future GPS spoofing incidents and ensure that all airports maintain the highest safety standards.
