The issue of GPS interference and spoofing in and around Amritsar Airport has become a growing concern for aviation authorities, with multiple airlines reporting such incidents over the past two years. The Parliament was informed on Thursday that between November 2023 and February 2025, a total of 465 cases of GPS disruptions were recorded, particularly in the border regions of Amritsar and Jammu. These disruptions pose significant risks to aircraft navigation systems, raising alarms within the aviation industry.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that GPS interference and spoofing attempts involve efforts to manipulate or block satellite signals, potentially misleading aircraft navigation systems. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued a circular in November 2023, instructing airlines to report such occurrences to authorities. Since then, the government has taken multiple steps to mitigate the problem, including issuing Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) in affected areas.
Airlines have been following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) designed to manage GPS-related disruptions effectively. To enhance safety measures, international aviation guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union Safety Agency (EASA) have also been implemented in India. Additionally, authorities have ensured that ground-based navigation systems remain fully operational, allowing pilots to switch to alternative navigation methods when required.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which manages air navigation services, has been consistently upgrading air traffic management systems to strengthen aviation safety. The DGCA’s circular from November 2023 outlines a detailed plan for pilots, airline operators, and air traffic controllers to address GPS interference incidents swiftly and effectively.
Meanwhile, the government is also focusing on expanding India’s aviation workforce. Earlier this month, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced that India will require approximately 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years as airlines continue expanding their fleets. Currently, India has more than 6,000 pilots, but with domestic airlines placing orders for over 1,700 new aircraft, the demand for skilled pilots is expected to surge.
To address this need, authorities are working towards making India a hub for pilot training, ensuring that the country can meet its future aviation workforce requirements. As the aviation sector continues to grow, tackling GPS interference issues while strengthening safety protocols remains a top priority for the government and regulatory bodies.
