India tightens aviation security as GPS spoofing incidents rise near major airports
PTC Web Desk: India’s civil aviation authorities have stepped up safety measures after multiple flights reported suspicious GPS spoofing and GNSS interference near Delhi and several other key airports over the past year. The government confirmed the incidents in Parliament on Monday, outlining new protocols, investigations and cybersecurity reinforcements aimed at protecting the country’s aviation network.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, said both pilots and air traffic controllers have flagged instances of abnormal satellite-navigation readings, prompting regulators to upgrade existing safety systems and introduce new reporting requirements.
In response to growing concerns, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory circular in November 2023. This was followed by a dedicated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) released on November 10, 2025, specifically designed for real-time reporting of suspected GPS spoofing around Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
Under this SOP, pilots and ATC personnel must immediately report any unusual or unreliable GPS behaviour. The ministry also pointed out that India continues to maintain a Minimum Operating Network (MON) of conventional, ground-based navigation and surveillance systems, considered essential backups worldwide, ensuring that flights can operate safely even when satellite-based systems face disruptions.
To identify the origin of the spoofed signals, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has sought assistance from the Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO). At a recent high-level meeting, WMO was instructed to deploy additional technical resources and use approximate location data shared by both the DGCA and AAI to trace the interference.
Officials say pinpointing the exact source is crucial, as GPS spoofing can pose a serious threat to aircraft navigation, especially during arrivals and departures near busy airports.
The minister also flagged broader cyber risks faced by the aviation sector, including malware and ransomware attacks targeting critical systems. To bolster digital defences, AAI is rolling out advanced cybersecurity solutions across its IT networks. These upgrades adhere to standards set by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).
Authorities added that cybersecurity protocols are being continuously strengthened, with new layers of protection introduced as threats evolve. India is also actively engaging with global aviation-security bodies to stay aligned with the latest international technologies and best practices.
- With inputs from agencies
