The aviation industry has long relied on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for navigation, surveillance, and communication. However, the increasing frequency of GNSS interference, particularly through jamming and spoofing, has become a significant concern. As the aviation sector continues to rely more heavily on these satellite systems, the operational and safety risks posed by such interference grow ever more pressing.
In its latest Annual Report released this week, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) highlighted these concerns, emphasising the persistent nature of the problem. The report noted a surge in incidents where GNSS signals were disrupted, endangering critical aviation systems like Ground Proximity Warning Systems (GPWS), Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches, Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC), and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). These systems are essential to ensuring safe and efficient flight operations, and their malfunction can lead to catastrophic consequences, such as increased separation requirements, compromised navigation capabilities, and heightened safety risks.
In response to these challenges, IFALPA and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) issued a joint press release in September 2024, reaffirming their commitment to addressing the problem. This collaborative meeting in Madrid, supported by IFATCA’s industry partner Indra, as well as SEPLA and USCA, was a crucial step in advocating for greater action on this growing threat.
Africa is Particularly Vulnerable
While the risks associated with GNSS interference affect the entire global aviation community, the situation is especially critical in certain regions, including Africa. The African continent, with its rapidly expanding aviation industry and increasingly complex air traffic control systems, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of GNSS disruption. Many African countries are still working to enhance their aviation infrastructure, making them more reliant on GNSS systems for navigation and surveillance in areas with limited or underdeveloped ground-based infrastructure.
For several African countries, the potential for GNSS interference poses an even greater threat. With the rise of unregulated airspace, particularly in regions where political instability or limited resources exist, the risk of malicious interference becomes more pronounced. Furthermore, the lack of consistent implementation of advanced technological solutions in some African airspaces means that the continent faces a disproportionate share of the risks associated with GNSS disruption.
Proactive Measures Need to be Taken
IFALPA and IFATCA have called for international bodies, states, and regulatory agencies to preserve traditional ground-based navigation aids. The continued reliance on conventional navigation infrastructure is essential for providing resilience in case GNSS systems are disrupted. This is particularly pertinent for African nations, many of which still rely on legacy systems for basic navigation services.
Moreover, the organisations are calling for proactive measures to mitigate the risk of GNSS interference. Developing and implementing effective countermeasures to prevent jamming and spoofing attacks, as well as increasing pilot and air traffic controller awareness, are central to these efforts.
In Africa, a coordinated approach to enhancing GNSS resilience could prove invaluable. This could involve improving regional collaboration through organisations such as the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), which can support member states in developing robust mitigation strategies and strengthen the region’s response to these threats.
Africa is Growing as an International Air Travel Hub
Africa’s aviation industry is undergoing rapid growth, and the continent has become an increasingly important hub for international air travel. As new technologies continue to shape aviation, it is essential that Africa remains at the forefront of global efforts to mitigate GNSS interference.
In particular, greater investment in advanced air traffic management systems, as well as the education and training of aviation personnel, will be key to addressing GNSS interference. African nations can benefit from sharing knowledge and best practices from other regions, ensuring that the aviation sector remains safe and secure in the face of evolving technological challenges.
Collective Action is the Only Solution
The growing threat of GNSS interference is a global challenge that requires collective action. The African aviation sector, with its dynamic growth and strategic importance, must prioritize the preservation of navigation infrastructure, the development of mitigation strategies, and the enhancement of pilot and controller awareness. As IFALPA and IFATCA continue to press for global solutions, it is crucial that Africa plays an active role in these efforts, ensuring that the continent’s aviation industry remains resilient, secure, and capable of meeting the demands of the future.
