GNSS Jamming and Spoofing - Latest July 2026

Understanding GNSS Interference, Spoofing and Conflict Zone Risks

Modern aviation increasingly depends on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). From flight management systems and performance-based navigation to terrain awareness, surveillance and operational efficiency, satellite navigation has become an integral part of everyday flight operations.

For most flights, GNSS works seamlessly. However, reports of GNSS interference have increased significantly in recent years, with flight crews across Europe and other regions experiencing jamming and spoofing events of varying duration and intensity. At the same time, conflict zones and geopolitical tensions continue to create complex operational environments that require careful planning and continuous monitoring.

These are no longer isolated events. For many operators and flight crews, they are becoming part of the operational reality that must be understood, managed and reported. While these developments do not mean aviation is becoming unsafe, they do highlight the importance of maintaining resilience, situational awareness and strong operational decision-making.

Understanding GNSS Interference

GNSS interference generally falls into two categories:

• Jamming: Where satellite signals are disrupted or blocked, reducing or removing navigation capability.
• Spoofing: Where false satellite signals are transmitted, potentially causing aircraft systems to calculate an incorrect position or display misleading navigation information.

The operational effects can vary considerably. Crews may experience navigation warnings, degraded positioning accuracy, loss of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) capability, unexpected route deviations, terrain warning anomalies or impacts on surveillance systems.

Importantly, the aircraft itself remains fully controllable. However, these events can significantly increase workload and uncertainty, particularly during high-workload phases of flight, in congested airspace or when weather conditions are already demanding. One of the greatest challenges is that crews may initially be unsure whether the issue is limited to their aircraft, caused by a technical malfunction or affecting the wider airspace.

Maintaining situational awareness and understanding what is happening around the aircraft quickly becomes critical.

A Changing Operational Environment

GNSS interference rarely occurs in isolation.

Busy airspace, adverse weather, rerouting, airspace restrictions and operational pressure can all combine to increase workload for flight crews, air traffic controllers and operational control centres. Conflict zones may also result in changing operational guidance, temporary airspace closures or longer routings, creating additional complexity across the wider network.

The challenge is often not a single hazard, but several risks occurring simultaneously. Operators therefore need robust operational risk assessments, effective contingency planning and access to timely information to support safe decision-making.

The Human Factors Challenge

While modern aircraft are highly capable and crews receive extensive training, highly automated flight decks can become significantly more demanding when systems behave unexpectedly or confidence in navigation information is reduced.

Workload increases rapidly as crews cross-check multiple navigation sources, revert to alternative procedures, communicate with air traffic control and manage degraded situational awareness. Stress and uncertainty can also increase the temptation to focus narrowly on a technical issue while losing sight of the wider operational picture.

This is why aviation's fundamental priorities remain unchanged:

Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.

Strong crew resource management, effective communication and disciplined adherence to procedures remain the foundation for managing degraded navigation capability safely.

Check out the video on Recognising the Signs of Spoofing. 

Working Together to Manage the Risk

No single organisation can manage GNSS interference or conflict zone risks alone.

Safe operations depend on collaboration across the aviation system. Pilots report events, operators update crews, air navigation service providers share situational awareness, manufacturers support operational mitigations and regulators coordinate internationally to monitor emerging threats and provide guidance.

High-quality occurrence reporting plays a particularly important role. Reports submitted by crews and operators help authorities identify trends, improve operational guidance and strengthen resilience across the aviation system. Every report contributes to a better understanding of where interference is occurring, how aircraft systems are affected and which mitigations are proving most effective.

Building Operational Resilience

One of the key lessons from recent GNSS interference events is the importance of preparation.

Crews may need to revert to conventional navigation methods, use alternative procedures or manage situations where multiple aircraft systems are affected simultaneously. Regular training, familiarity with aircraft system behaviour and maintaining strong situational awareness all contribute to operational resilience.

Equally important is fostering a safety culture where crews feel supported in reporting interference events, escalating concerns and making conservative operational decisions whenever uncertainty exists.

Check out the video on Managing Navigation Deviation. 

The GNSS and Conflict Zone Safety Map

Managing GNSS interference and conflict zone risks is not just about technology. It requires preparation, effective teamwork, robust procedures and a commitment to learning across the aviation system. The following Safety Map highlights six areas organisations should consider when strengthening their operational resilience.

🧠 Mindset

Expect operational conditions to change quickly. Crews and operational teams should remain mentally prepared for degraded navigation capability, rerouting and rapidly evolving situations. A flexible, proactive mindset helps organisations respond effectively when the unexpected happens.

👥 People

High workload, uncertainty and operational pressure can quickly affect human performance. Good crew resource management, clear communication with air traffic control and close coordination between flight crews, dispatchers and operational control centres are essential to maintaining safe operations.

⚙️ Equipment

Modern aircraft systems are highly capable, but crews need to understand how those systems behave during GNSS degradation and how to safely operate using alternative navigation methods where necessary. Regular training and familiarity with aircraft capabilities remain key.

📋 Compliance

Operational procedures, NOTAMs, contingency plans and conflict zone risk assessments provide the framework for safe decision-making. Operators should ensure these are regularly reviewed and integrated into operational planning as the risk environment evolves.

⚠️ Risks

GNSS interference and conflict-related hazards rarely occur in isolation. Weather, congestion, rerouting, fatigue and increased workload can combine to reduce operational margins. Looking at the overall risk picture—not just the individual event—is essential for effective decision-making.

📚 Learning

Occurrence reporting and information sharing remain critical. Every report contributes to a better understanding of where GNSS interference is occurring, how it affects aircraft systems and which mitigations are most effective. Sharing lessons learned across the aviation community strengthens resilience for everyone.

Further information

To support operators and flight crews, EASA continues to work closely with Member States and international partners to monitor GNSS interference and conflict zone risks, publish operational guidance and promote information sharing across the aviation community.

Further guidance and resources are available on the EASA website, including:

• Conflict Zone Information Bulletins (CZIBs).
• Guidance on GNSS interference and spoofing
• Occurrence Reporting resources
• Safety Information Bulletins and operational guidance

As the operational environment continues to evolve, maintaining resilience depends on good preparation, effective reporting, strong teamwork and organisations across the aviation system working together to manage emerging risks safely.