DGCA Gathers Data on GPS Interference Affecting Flights, Delhi Airport Sees Spike

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is actively gathering comprehensive data regarding instances of GPS interference and spoofing. This initiative comes as the Delhi airport has recently reported a noticeable rise in such events over the past few days, with at least eight occurrences noted on a single recent Wednesday. These GPS issues are affecting both domestic and international flights operating in and around the capital.

GPS spoofing and jamming refer to the deliberate manipulation of a navigation system by broadcasting false signals, potentially leading aircraft off course or into unsafe proximity with each other. While previous incidents were largely concentrated in border areas like Amritsar and Jammu, the current spike in Delhi's busy airspace raises significant safety concerns.

Global aviation bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are also monitoring and addressing the global issue of GPS interference. The DGCA's data collection aims to understand the scale and nature of the problem within India.

Impact: This increasing trend of GPS interference and spoofing poses a risk to flight safety and operational efficiency. Potential flight delays, rerouting, and increased scrutiny could impact airline profitability and investor confidence in the aviation sector. This requires careful monitoring by stakeholders. Rating: 7.

Difficult Terms: GPS (Global Positioning System): A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on or near the Earth. GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System): A broader term for satellite navigation systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Spoofing: The act of transmitting false signals to a GPS receiver, making it believe it is somewhere else or on a different course. Jamming: The act of disrupting or blocking GPS signals with other radio signals, preventing the receiver from determining its location. DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation): The Indian regulatory body for civil aviation. ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization): A specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates international air navigation. IATA (International Air Transport Association): A trade association of the world's airlines. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA): The primary airport serving New Delhi and the National Capital Region of India.