The International Airline Association IATA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have a comprehensive action plan to reduce the risks of interference with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This plan is the result of a joint workshop and responds to the rapidly increasing frequency and complexity of GNSS interference such as jamming and spoofing, which have been increasingly observed in recent years, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
IATA data shows a 220 percent increase in Global Positioning System (GPS) signal losses between 2021 and 2024. Given ongoing geopolitical tensions, a reversal of this trend is considered unlikely. Jesper Rasmussen, EASA's Director of Flight Standards, emphasized the need to "build resilience" in the face of the evolving threat and pursue a dynamic action plan. Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, emphasized the urgency for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to advance these solutions with global alignment of standards, guidance, and reporting, ideally at this year's ICAO Assembly.
The plan focuses on four key areas to help ensure flight safety. First, improved reporting and monitoring through standardized reporting channels and real-time airspace monitoring. Secondly, Prevention and mitigation measures, including tightened controls on jamming devices and the development of technical solutions to reduce false alerts and speed up the recovery of GPS equipment. Third, a more effective Infrastructure and airspace management, which provides for the provision of backup systems through conventional navigation aids and better utilization of military air traffic management capabilities. This also includes the improvement of emergency and turnaround procedures.
Fourth, a improved coordination and readiness between the relevant authorities, including increased civil-military cooperation and the exchange of GNSS data on radio frequency interference. Preparation for evolving threats, such as drones, is also considered essential. The underlying workshop took place on May 22 and 23 at EASA headquarters in Cologne and brought together over 120 experts from the aviation industry, research institutions, government agencies, and international organizations to address these critical challenges for modern aviation.
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