GPS World

Tag: IATA

  • Seen & Heard: Crust shifts, sinking plates and GNSS disruptions worldwide

    Seen & Heard: Crust shifts, sinking plates and GNSS disruptions worldwide

    What on Earth is happening?

    Image: NASA
    Image: NASA

    Several interesting things, according to geologists who study data from the global network of geodetic-quality receivers. A team at the University of the Basque Country found the Iberian Peninsula rotating clockwise as Africa closes on Eurasia by 0.2 inches per year (5 mm), near Gibraltar and the Alboran region. Meanwhile, in a process called lithospheric dripping, Earth’s crust is sinking under Central Turkey despite being part of a broader region that has been uplifting for millions of years, according to University of Toronto researchers. Meanwhile, in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, seismic data collected during a National Science Foundation study shows the Cascadia subduction zone actively breaking apart. 

    Making better robots with GNSS

    Image: Robosat Project
    Image: Robosat Project

    Autonomous robot navigation in the wild using satellite-based 3D geographical information (Robosat) aims to provide a scalable multi-GIS high-quality data collection platform through using a quadrupedal robot that can autonomously perform long-distance missions in challenging environments, such as the Alps or Finnish forests. Researchers from Finland, Switzerland, Spain and Romania gathered at Tampere University in Finland to share data, identify relevant GIS and GNSS datasets, and leverage AI for autonomous labeling of large-scale data. Key topics included integrating multi-sensor and multi-GIS data to enhance positioning, planning pilot tests with ETH’s ANYmal robot (pictured) and TAU’s new I/Q GNSS grabber device, and discussing methods for AI-driven data labeling for massive datasets collected in field trials.

    It’s all happening downtown

    Image: Getty Images / Ivan Pantic
    Image: Getty Images / Ivan Pantic

    Researchers from Shandong Jianzhu University and the China University of Mining and Technology describe a new smartphone positioning strategy in the Dec. 15, 2025, issue of Satellite Navigation. They use a positioning framework that combines 3D map constraints with multiple GNSS observations. By integrating time-differenced carrier-phase information with probabilistic road matching and factor graph optimization, the approach reduces ambiguity in candidate positions and enhances robustness against non-line-of-sight signals. In field tests, the method outperformed existing smartphone GNSS techniques, delivering more reliable location estimates and smoother trajectories even in severe urban canyon conditions.

    2,000 and counting

    Image: Getty Images / rvimages
    Image: Getty Images / rvimages

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for vigilance following the increasing number of GNSS spoofing and jamming incidents worldwide. The growing interference poses a significant risk to flight navigation and pilot safety. Of note is a spike in incidents at major Indian airports. Almost 2,000 GNSS interference incidents have been logged at airports in India since 2023, including the airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. IATA represents more than 360 airlines, accounting for 80% of global air traffic. 

  • IATA sounds alarm over rising GNSS interference

    IATA sounds alarm over rising GNSS interference

    Collated from various news reports

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for vigilance following the increasing number of GNSS spoofing and jamming incidents worldwide. The growing interference poses a significant risk to flight navigation and pilot safety.

    Of note is a spike in incidents at major Indian airports. Almost 2,000 GNSS interference incidents have been logged at airports in India since 2023, including the airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai.

    IATA represents more than 360 airlines, accounting for 80% of global air traffic. Indian carriers Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express and SpiceJet are members.

    “GPS spoofing and jamming incidents are increasing rapidly across the world,” said IATA Director General Willie Walsh, speaking at an industry event in Geneva. “This is not merely a technical concern — it’s an operational vigilance issue for pilots.”

    Walsh noted a higher frequency of interference events, expanding well beyond conflict zones and affecting global civil aviation routes.

    India’s Civil Aviation Ministry informed Parliament that between November 2023 and November 2025, a total of 1,951 GNSS interference cases were reported. The data collection began after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory circular in November 2023, mandating airlines to report all GNSS-related disruptions.

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

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

    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.