The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have published a comprehensive plan to mitigate the risks stemming from global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference. The plan was part of the conclusions of a jointly-hosted workshop on the topic of GNSS interference.

Given the increased frequency of interference incidents with GNSS signals, the workshop concluded that a broader and coordinated approach is necessary, focusing on four key areas: improved information gathering, stronger preventive and mitigation measures, better use of infrastructure and airspace management, and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies.

Recent incidents of GNSS signal disruption, referred to as jamming and spoofing, have surged in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, with similar reports emerging from various global regions. The initial response had limited itself to merely containing these GNSS interference incidents.

“GNSS disruptions are evolving in terms of both frequency and complexity. We are no longer just containing GNSS interference — we must build resilience. The evolving nature of the threat demands a dynamic and ambitious action plan,” said Jesper Rasmussen, EASA Flight Standards Director.

“The number of global positioning system (GPS) signal loss events increased by 220% between 2021 and 2024 according to IATA’s data from the Global Aviation Data Management Flight Data eXchange (GADM FDX). And with continued geopolitical tensions, it is challenging to see this trend reversing soon. IATA and EASA are collaborating to reinforce the redundancies embedded in the system to maintain safe flying. The next step involves ICAO moving these solutions forward with global alignment on standards, guidance, and reporting. This must take high priority at the ICAO Assembly later this year. To stay ahead of the threat, the aviation sector must act collaboratively and swiftly,” stated Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety, and Security.

Detailed Workshop Outcomes

The workshop identified four critical workstreams:

1. Enhanced Reporting and Monitoring

   • Agree on standard radio calls for reporting GNSS interference and standardized notice to airmen (NOTAM) coding, e.g., Q codes.
   • Define and implement monitoring and warning procedures, including real-time airspace monitoring.
   • Ensure the dissemination of information without delays to relevant parties for formal reporting.

2. Prevention and Mitigation

   • Tighten controls (including export and licensing restrictions) on jamming devices.
   • Support the development of technical solutions to reduce false terrain warnings, improve situational interference with portable spoofing detectors, and ensure rapid GPS equipment recovery after signal loss.

3. Infrastructure and Airspace Management

   • Maintain a backup for GNSS with a minimum operational network of traditional navigation aids.
   • Better utilize military air traffic management (ATM) capabilities, including tactical air navigation networks and real-time airspace GNSS incident monitoring.
   • Enhance procedures for airspace contingency and reversion planning to ensure aircraft can navigate safely during interference.

4. Coordination and Preparedness

   • Improve civil-military coordination, including sharing GNSS radio frequency interference (RFI) event data.
   • Prepare for evolving-threat capabilities, including those posed by drones.

The workshop was held at EASA’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany, on May 22-23 and attended by over 120 experts from the aviation industry, research organizations, government bodies, and international organizations.