IATA and EASA release joint strategy to counter GNSS interference risks

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

With incidents of GNSS signal jamming and spoofing rising, especially in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the workshop called for a broader, more coordinated response. The plan focuses on four areas: improving information gathering, strengthening prevention and mitigation, making better use of infrastructure and airspace management, and enhancing coordination among agencies.

“GNSS disruptions are evolving in both frequency and complexity. We are no longer just containing GNSS interference — we must build resilience,” said Jesper Rasmussen, EASA Flight Standards Director. “Through collaboration with partners in the European Union and IATA and by supporting the International Civil Aviation Organization, we are committed to keeping aviation safe, secure, and navigable.”

According to IATA, the number of GPS signal loss events increased by 220% between 2021 and 2024. “With continued geopolitical tensions, it is difficult to see this trend reversing in the near term,” said Nick Careen, IATA senior vice president for operations, safety, and security. “The next step is for ICAO to move these solutions forward with global alignment on standards, guidance, and reporting. This must command a high priority at the ICAO Assembly later this year.”

Detailed Workshop Outcomes

The workshop concluded that four workstreams are critical:

1. Enhanced Reporting and Monitoring

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

2. Prevention and Mitigation

• Tighten controls (including export and licensing restrictions) on jamming devices.
• Support thedevelopment of technical solutions to:
  • reduce false terrain warnings;
  • improve situational interferencewith portable spoofing detectors; and
  • ensure rapid and reliable GPS equipment recovery after signal loss or interference.

3. Infrastructure and Airspace Management

• Maintain a backup for GNSS with aminimum operational network of traditional navigation aids.
• Better utilizemilitary air traffic management (ATM) capabilities,including tactical air navigation networks and real-time airspace GNSS incident monitoring.
• Enhance proceduresfor airspace contingency and reversion planning so that aircraft can navigate safely even in the event of interference.

4. Coordination and Preparedness

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

The workshop was held May 22-23 at EASA headquarters in Cologne, Germany, and included more than 120 experts from the aviation industry, research organizations, government and international bodies.

www.iata.org