The DGCA, alarmed by reports of civilian aircraft possibly encountering navigation issues over certain Middle Eastern areas, has issued a crucial advisory to Indian airlines. Recent incidents highlighted concerns about navigation systems being compromised when flying over these regions. This emerging safety hazard prompted the DGCA’s advisory, aimed at alerting airlines to the threat’s nature and advising on proper response measures.
The advisory said, ‘The aviation industry is grappling with uncertainties due to new threats and reports of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) jamming and spoofing’.
The report acknowledges the rise in incidents of GNSS interference across Middle Eastern airspace and urges the establishment of backup plans to manage navigation system disruptions. Additionally, the DGCA has advocated for the establishment of a network dedicated to monitoring and analyzing threats in this regard.
In late September, there were comparable occurrences as multiple planes veered off course near Iran due to navigation system interference. One plane nearly breached Iranian airspace without authorization.
However, the source of this spoofing remains unclear, though it’s suspected to stem from deployed military electronic warfare systems amidst regional tensions.
The DGCA circular, influenced by a committee’s recommendations, addresses emerging threats by integrating best practices, recent advancements, and guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
It offers extensive mitigation measures and action plans for aircraft operators, pilots, ANSP, and air traffic controllers. These encompass the development of contingency procedures in collaboration with equipment manufacturers and the evaluation of operational risk through safety risk assessments.
Additionally, it establishes a system to create a threat monitoring and analysis network closely aligned with the DGCA. This network aims to proactively and reactively monitor reports of GNSS interference, extracting valuable insights, data, and new developments to ensure a swift and robust response to potential threats.