Joint Effort to Address Aviation Safety Threats Posed by GNSS Spoofing and Jamming

EASA and IATA Join Forces to Combat Aviation Safety Threats

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have teamed up to address the growing concern of GNSS spoofing and jamming in the aviation industry. In a recent workshop held at EASA’s headquarters, it was concluded that interference with satellite-based services that provide precise aircraft positioning information poses significant safety challenges.

EASA Acting Executive Director, Luc Tytgat, emphasized the importance of mitigating these risks by sharing incident information and implementing short-, medium-, and long-term solutions. Tytgat highlighted the need for pilots and crews to be able to identify and react to risks, adapt certification requirements for navigation and landing systems, and be involved in the design of future satellite navigation systems.

IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, expressed concerns over the rising incidents of GNSS interference and stressed the need for coordinated data collection and sharing, guidance from aircraft manufacturers, and commitment from states to retain traditional navigation systems as backups. Both EASA and IATA agreed that collective action from stakeholders is essential to address these challenges effectively.

Measures proposed during the workshop to enhance the resilience of GNSS services include reporting and sharing of interference event data, guidance from aircraft manufacturers, alerting relevant stakeholders about attacks, and maintaining a Minimum Operational Network of traditional navigation aids.

In recent years, GNSS jamming and spoofing incidents have threatened the integrity of PNT services globally, with a particular focus on Eastern Europe and the Middle East. These disruptions have implications for various industries relying on geolocation services, including aviation. EASA has been tasked by National Aviation Authorities in Europe to develop measures to counter these cybersecurity threats.

Participants in the workshop shared real-life experiences to deepen collective understanding of the threats posed by GNSS interference. With over 120 attendees from various sectors of the aviation industry, there was a shared commitment to address these challenges collectively and in a timely manner.

The collaboration between EASA and IATA marks a significant step towards enhancing aviation safety in the face of evolving technological risks. By working together, stakeholders can better protect the integrity of satellite-based navigation systems and ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel for passengers and crews alike.