DGCA Mandates Quick Reporting of GPS Spoofing Incidents

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a new directive requiring pilots and air traffic controllers to report any incidents of GPS spoofing within 10 minutes of detection. This decision comes in response to a recent increase in GPS spoofing cases at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).

The DGCA's reporting protocol aims to enhance safety and response measures. It specifies that any abnormal GPS behaviour, such as position anomalies, navigation errors, or loss of GNSS signal integrity, must be reported in real-time. The report should include essential details like the date and time of the incident, aircraft type and registration, airline name, flight route, and the coordinates of the affected area. Additionally, it should specify the type of interference, whether it is jamming or spoofing.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is overseeing an investigation into these incidents, which have raised concerns due to their potential safety risks. GPS spoofing involves sending false satellite signals to mislead navigation systems, which can result in incorrect positioning and serious operational hazards. This phenomenon has been noted not only at Delhi Airport but also in border areas like Amritsar and Jammu, where similar incidents have been reported.

The DGCA's circular, issued on November 10, emphasizes the urgency of reporting these anomalies. It is part of a broader effort to address the rising concerns about GPS interference, particularly in sensitive regions. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are also examining the issue to find effective solutions.

As the busiest airport in India, with over 1,500 flights daily, IGIA is now under close scrutiny to ensure the safety and security of air travel amid these challenges.