Delhi’s aviation ecosystem is grappling with a cluster of GPS spoofing incidents detected near the Indira Gandhi International Airport, prompting India’s aviation authorities to adopt strengthened navigational and cybersecurity safeguards. The issue, disclosed during Parliament’s Winter Session, has reignited questions around digital infrastructure resilience in increasingly technology-dependent transport systems.
According to officials, several aircraft approaching the airport recently encountered falsified GPS signals while executing satellite-based landing procedures on one of the runways. Pilots were forced to transition to contingency protocols, reverting to older, ground-based systems to complete their descent. Other runway operations continued uninterrupted as they remain supported by traditional navigation aids that do not rely solely on satellite inputs.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated a structured response to the interference, issuing updated operating procedures that mandate real-time reporting of suspected spoofing events. Authorities said these steps complement an earlier advisory designed to help airlines and airports identify, document, and manage GNSS disruptions across Indian airspace. Parallel investigations by the Airports Authority of India include technical support from the Wireless Monitoring Organisation, which has been tasked with tracing the origin of the illegitimate signals.
Officials noted that interference is not limited to the Capital. Airports in cities such as Kolkata, Amritsar, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai have also reported disruptions in recent months. Experts say this pattern reflects the global trend of rising electronic interference across critical infrastructure networks, as navigation systems increasingly rely on digital communication rather than purely physical instrumentation.Aviation analysts argue that the incidents underscore a broader urban resilience challenge. As major cities transition towards smarter, technology-integrated transportation systems, maintaining redundancy becomes essential for public safety. India’s continued investment in a Minimum Operating Network a network of conventional ground-based navigational assets is seen as an important buffer that ensures continuity during digital failures. This aligns with global aviation practices, especially for cities prioritising secure and inclusive mobility.
Cybersecurity authorities have also flagged emerging vulnerabilities as airports modernise their systems. With ransomware and malware threats intensifying worldwide, agencies have urged continual upgrades to digital safeguards. The Airports Authority of India has begun deploying advanced protection tools for critical infrastructure, aligned with national guidelines issued by cybersecurity institutions. Officials emphasise that aviation networks require persistent monitoring, regular audits, and workforce training to minimise exposure.
Urban mobility specialists caution that as cities expand and air connectivity grows, protecting aviation systems becomes integral to building equitable and reliable transport. Strengthening digital infrastructure, they note, is not only a technical responsibility but also a public trust issue that supports safer, more resilient, and accessible mobility for millions of passengers.
Delhi Airport Reports Multiple GPS Spoofing Incidents Affecting Incoming Flights
