Kolkata has recorded over 100 incidents of GPS spoofing and signal intrusions in the past two months, highlighting growing cybersecurity concerns in Indian airspace. The interference, affecting two to three flights daily in the Kolkata flight information region (FIR), has caused temporary loss of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data, forcing pilots to rely on contingency procedures. Aviation authorities and industry experts warn that these attacks pose serious operational risks if left unchecked.
The incidents, confirmed by civil aviation officials, have affected flights across multiple sectors, including Yangon-Kolkata, Dhaka-Kolkata, and Mumbai-Kolkata, as well as overflying aircraft near the Bay of Bengal and India-Myanmar border. Pilots reported that manipulated GNSS signals can mislead flight management systems, causing aircraft to deviate from intended paths. “Cyber attacks targeting GNSS have emerged as a major challenge for flight safety. Spoofing can feed false location or timing data, requiring immediate corrective action by pilots and controllers,” a senior aviation official explained.
In response, Kolkata Air Traffic Control (ATC) has strengthened monitoring of aircraft along predefined routes. Controllers now provide real-time corrective coordinates and use radar guidance where available to ensure flights remain on course. VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) systems installed across the region, including Jamshedpur, Katihar, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Gaya, and Jharsuguda, serve as backup navigation aids when GNSS signals are compromised. “We constantly monitor for deviations and guide aircraft back on track using both radar and radio navigation systems,” said an airport operations official.
Civil aviation authorities noted that GPS spoofing is not unique to Kolkata; similar instances have been recorded at Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai airports. Industry analysts emphasise the need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols and resilient navigation infrastructure to safeguard flight operations. They also highlight that concentrated monitoring and contingency planning, such as VOR-based navigation and ATC intervention, mitigate potential hazards while allowing pilots to maintain operational safety.
Experts argue that integrating cyber resilience into aviation planning is critical for sustainable air transport networks. As urban air mobility and international connectivity expand, ensuring secure and reliable navigation systems is essential for equitable, safe, and efficient transport infrastructure. The Kolkata FIR example underscores the importance of proactive investment in digital aviation security and the broader adoption of hybrid navigation systems that blend GNSS with ground-based technologies.By addressing these cyber vulnerabilities, Kolkata and other Indian airports aim to maintain safe skies while supporting the growth of commercial aviation, regional connectivity, and resilient urban transport systems.
Kolkata Airspace Faces Over Hundred GPS Spoofing Incidents Threatening Flight Safety Daily
