Regulations & Safety
EASA-IATA 2025 Workshop Tackles Aviation GNSS Interference Threats
EASA and IATA collaborate in Cologne to address rising GNSS interference risks and enhance aviation navigation resilience through global cooperation.
As modern aviation increasingly relies on satellite-based navigation systems, the resilience of these technologies has become a critical concern. Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) data, largely delivered via Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), are foundational to safe and efficient flight operations. However, the growing threat of GNSS interference, including jamming and spoofing, is challenging the aviation sector’s ability to maintain reliability in air navigation.
In response, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are taking proactive steps to address these challenges. Their joint 2025 PNT Resilience Workshop, held in Cologne, Germany, aims to move beyond reactive containment and toward a future-proof aviation infrastructure. With a sharp focus on collaboration, technology, and regulatory alignment, this workshop marks a pivotal moment in the global aviation community’s response to GNSS vulnerabilities.
GNSS systems, such as the U.S. GPS, Europe’s Galileo, Russia’s GLONASS, and China’s BeiDou, are indispensable to aviation. They provide precise geolocation and timing data used in route planning, air traffic control, and onboard navigation systems. However, these signals are inherently weak and susceptible to interference from both natural and man-made sources.
Jamming involves blocking GNSS signals, while spoofing deceives receivers with false signals. These disruptions can result in loss of situational awareness, navigation errors, and increased risk of mid-air or runway incidents. According to IATA, GPS signal loss events surged by 220% globally from 2021 to 2024, based on data from the Global Aviation Data Management Flight Data eXchange (GADM FDX).
Regions such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East have experienced frequent interference incidents, though the issue is increasingly global. The economic implications include rerouting, delays, and higher operational costs. With the commercial aviation industry contributing over $800 billion annually to the global economy, ensuring the reliability of GNSS is not just a safety issue, it’s an economic imperative.
“GNSS disruptions are evolving in terms of both frequency and complexity. We are no longer just containing GNSS interference; we must build resilience.” , Jesper Rasmussen, EASA Flight Standards Director
Traditional responses to GNSS interference have focused on containment, isolating affected areas and rerouting aircraft. While effective in the short term, this approach is increasingly inadequate. The aviation industry now faces a more complex threat landscape, with interference events that are more frequent, more targeted, and harder to detect.
The challenge is further compounded by the proliferation of low-cost jamming and spoofing devices. These tools, once limited to state actors, are now accessible to non-state entities and individuals, raising the risk of intentional disruptions. Moreover, geopolitical tensions have increased the likelihood of state-sponsored interference, making the need for robust, resilient systems more urgent.
To address these challenges, the 2025 EASA-IATA PNT Resilience Workshop emphasizes a shift in mindset, from containment to resilience. This means designing systems and procedures that can withstand or quickly recover from interference, ensuring continuity of operations even under degraded conditions. Held on May 22–23, 2025, at EASA’s headquarters in Cologne, the workshop brought together stakeholders from across the aviation ecosystem. Participants included regulators, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), airline operators, cybersecurity experts, and representatives from international organizations.
The agenda focused on six key areas: evaluating the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies, sharing operational experiences, understanding the role of ATM and ANSPs, addressing regulatory challenges, exploring future technologies, and enhancing civil-military cooperation. The event was conducted under the Chatham House Rule to encourage open dialogue and information sharing.
One of the most urgent topics discussed was the need for improved detection and reporting systems. Collecting real-time data on interference incidents allows for better situational awareness and faster response. Participants also stressed the importance of harmonized international standards, calling on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to prioritize GNSS resilience at its upcoming assembly.
The workshop underscored the importance of global cooperation. EASA and IATA jointly released a comprehensive plan outlining four pillars: enhanced information gathering, robust prevention and mitigation measures, smarter use of infrastructure, and improved coordination. This plan aims to align industry and regulatory efforts at both the European and global levels.
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security, highlighted the urgency: “With continued geopolitical tensions, it is difficult to see this trend reversing in the near term. IATA and EASA are working together to reinforce the redundancies that are built into the system, to keep flying safe.”
The plan encourages ICAO to lead the charge in establishing global standards and guidance on GNSS interference. This includes protocols for incident reporting, technical specifications for resilient systems, and best practices for airspace management. The goal is to create a unified framework that allows all stakeholders to operate under consistent, reliable conditions.
“To stay ahead of the threat, aviation must act together and without delay.” , Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President
While policy and coordination are vital, technology will play a central role in achieving PNT resilience. Multi-layered navigation systems are emerging as a promising solution. These include inertial navigation systems (INS), ground-based augmentation systems (GBAS), and alternative PNT technologies that can serve as backups when GNSS is compromised.
For example, INS can maintain accurate positioning over short durations without relying on external signals. GBAS, on the other hand, provides localized corrections to GNSS signals, improving accuracy and reliability. Additionally, emerging technologies such as eLORAN (Enhanced Long Range Navigation) and quantum navigation are being explored as long-term solutions. Investing in these technologies requires both funding and regulatory support. The workshop emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to accelerate development and deployment. By fostering innovation while maintaining rigorous safety standards, the aviation industry can build a robust defense against GNSS threats.
The 2025 EASA-IATA PNT Resilience Workshop represents a critical step forward in addressing one of aviation’s most pressing challenges. As GNSS interference becomes more common and more sophisticated, the industry must evolve from reactive containment to proactive resilience. Through collaboration, innovation, and harmonized policy, aviation can safeguard its navigation systems and maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Looking ahead, the success of this initiative will depend on sustained engagement from all stakeholders. From airlines and regulators to technology providers and international bodies, a unified approach is essential. The workshop has laid the groundwork, now it’s time to build on it with action, investment, and global cooperation.
What is GNSS interference? Why is GNSS interference a threat to aviation? What is the goal of the 2025 EASA-IATA PNT Resilience Workshop? What technologies can help mitigate GNSS interference? What role does ICAO play in this issue?
Building Aviation Resilience: The 2025 EASA-IATA PNT Workshop and the Future of GNSS Interference Mitigation
Understanding the Scope and Impact of GNSS Interference
Operational Challenges and the Need for Resilience
The 2025 PNT Resilience Workshop: Key Themes and Objectives
Strategic Collaboration and Policy Development
Technology and the Path Forward
Conclusion
FAQ
GNSS interference refers to the disruption of satellite-based navigation signals, including jamming (blocking signals) and spoofing (sending false signals).
It can lead to navigation errors, loss of situational awareness, and increased safety risks during flight operations.
To develop comprehensive strategies that move beyond containment and build long-term resilience against GNSS threats in the aviation sector.
Inertial navigation systems (INS), ground-based augmentation systems (GBAS), and emerging technologies like eLORAN and quantum navigation.
ICAO is being urged to lead in establishing global standards and guidance to address GNSS interference and promote international coordination.Sources
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