Strengthening aviation resilience against GNSS interference

Lisa Bee (left), Chair of the CANSO Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) Workgroup (CNSWG) and Nicki Harricharan, Operations Programme Manager, CANSO, examine the gorwing need to counter the threat of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) interference.

Global aviation is increasingly dependent on satellite based navigation. But what happens when that foundation is disrupted? CANSO’s latest publication addresses a rapidly escalating challenge facing the aviation community: intentional and unintentional interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), specifically jamming and spoofing.

GNSS interference is no longer a rare or isolated issue. Since late 2023, incidents have surged dramatically rising from hundreds to thousands of events per day globally.

While civil aviation is often not the intended target, the impact is real and immediate:

• Aircraft deviating from cleared flight paths
• False safety alerts triggering uncoordinated maneuvers
• Loss of navigation, surveillance, and communication capabilities
• Increased workload and reduced situational awareness for both pilots and controllers

In one documented case, an aircraft on approach initiated an unexpected climb due to a false terrain warning, highlighting how GNSS interference can directly affect flight safety.

Modern ATN/CNS functions as a system of systems that frequently rely on GNSS for position and timing information, in addition to navigation. GNSS timing information is used by radar surveillance and data communication systems as well as by Automatic Dependent Surveillance systems. GNSS is also a critical enabler for flight management systems and safety alerting systems.

This interconnectedness means that interference can create cascading effects across the aviation ecosystem, impacting:

• Airspace capacity and efficiency
• Separation standards and operational predictability
• Safety assurance and decision-making

As the threat evolves, so must our response.

This publication is more than a technical overview, it is a practical guide specifically for ANSPs to understand, anticipate, and mitigate GNSS interference.

Important areas covered include:

Operational Impacts

A comprehensive breakdown of how GNSS interference affects:

• Flight crews (workload, trust in systems, situational awareness)
• Air traffic controllers (complexity, communication challenges, decision-making)
• ATM systems (navigation, surveillance, automation, and safety systems)

Tactical and Strategic Mitigations

Actionable measures for managing real time disruptions and building long term resilience:

• Use of conventional navigation aids (MON/RON concepts)
• Enhanced contingency planning and traffic management initiatives
• Improved communication, reporting, and coordination protocols

Safety Intelligence and Monitoring

The role of monitoring tools and data-driven safety intelligence in detecting and managing GNSS risks:

• Leveraging ADS-B data and metrics such as PIC and IPC
• Identifying interference “hotspots” and trends
• Integrating automated monitoring with operational reporting

Spectrum Management and Regulatory Action

A critical and often overlooked pillar of resilience:

• Strengthening regulatory protections against jamming/spoofing
• Implementing real-time monitoring and enforcement mechanisms
• Enhancing international coordination and spectrum governance

GNSS interference is not a challenge that any single stakeholder can solve alone. Addressing this threat requires coordinated action across the aviation ecosystem:

• ANSPs
• States and regulators
• ICAO and international standards bodies
• Airlines and manufacturers
• Technology and service providers

CANSO’s guidance reflects this collaborative approach, bringing together expertise from across the global aviation community to provide practical, operationally relevant solutions.

As aviation continues its digital transformation, resilience must be built into the system, not added as an afterthought.

This means:

• Investing in complementary and alternative PNT solutions
• Maintaining redundant navigation infrastructure
• Strengthening training, procedures, and safety intelligence capabilities
• Remaining vigilant and adaptive as threats evolve

GNSS interference is a dynamic and growing risk but with the right strategies, tools, and collaboration, it is a risk we can manage.

Explore the Full Publication

CANSO invites the aviation community to explore full guidance and integrate its recommendations into their operational and strategic planning.