EASA, IATA release 4-point plan to mitigate GNSS interference risks

Photo: AirBaltic

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 GNSS interference. The plan was among the conclusions of a jointly hosted workshop on the topic of GNSS interference.

Given the continued rise in frequency of interference with GNSS signals, the workshop concluded that a broader and more coordinated approach is needed. focusing on four key areas: improved information gathering, stronger prevention and mitigation measures, more effective use of infrastructure and airspace management, and enhanced coordination and preparedness among relevant agencies.

Reported incidents of interference with GNSS signals have been increasing across Eastern Europe and the Middle East in recent years. Similar incidents have been reported in other locations globally. The initial response focused only on containing those GNSS interference incidents.

“GNSS disruptions are evolving in terms of both frequency and complexity,” said Jesper Rasmussen, EASA Flight Standards director. “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. Through collaboration with partners in the European Union and IATA, and by supporting the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), we are committed to keeping aviation safe, secure and navigable.”

The number of 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). “With continued geopolitical tensions, it is difficult to see this trend reversing in the near term,” said Nick Careen, IATA senior vice president, Operations, Safety and Security. “IATA and EASA are working together to reinforce the redundancies that are built into the system, to keep flying safe. 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. To stay ahead of the threat, aviation must act together and without delay.”

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 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 and reliable GPS equipment recovery after signal loss or interference.

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 so aircraft can navigate safely even if interference occurs.

4. Coordination and Preparedness

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

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