The National Security Advisor's (NSA) office has commenced an investigation into the GPS tampering incident on November 6 and 7, 2025, at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). This incident misled the navigation system via GPS spoofing, impacting over 350 flights. Many flights were delayed, and some had to be diverted to nearby airports like Jaipur and Lucknow, raising significant concerns about aviation safety.
Also Read: How Does ATC Work and What Happens When It Fails? The Delhi Airport Traffic Jam Explained.
GPS spoofing is a type of cyberattack where fake satellite signals are sent. These false signals mislead the navigation system into thinking the incorrect location. In this case, pilots received erroneous information about the aircraft's position and geography within a 60 nautical mile (approximately 111 kilometers) radius of Delhi.
Source: aajtak
Pilots had to rely on manual navigation, forcing air traffic controllers to shift to ground-based systems, leading to significant air traffic congestion. Experts suggest that this attack could either be deliberate or due to a technical issue, with the primary investigation goal being to ascertain the cause and extent.
The National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC), headed by Naveen Kumar Singh, is spearheading the investigation. Singh was appointed to this post in August 2025. The NCSC operates under the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and collaborates with agencies like India's Computer Emergency Response Team and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to address cyber threats.
Also Read: Where Are Nuclear Bombs Stored and How? Allegations Arise Against Some Countries Storing Them in Poor Nations
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) are also involved in the inquiry. They are examining whether this was a technical fault, a cyberattack, or an intentional act. The government has assured the public that the situation is under control, and normal flight operations are being restored. However, this incident exposes growing cybersecurity concerns in the aviation sector.
Source: aajtak
The incident caused delays in over 350 flights. Several international and domestic flights were diverted to Jaipur and Lucknow. Pilots faced challenges in Delhi's busy airspace. One pilot noted that the wrong signals made it feel like heading in the wrong direction, making manual flying risky. This resulted in hours-long passenger waits and chaos at the airport.
This event has drawn international attention. Global aviation organizations and cybersecurity experts are collaboratively working on this issue. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has pointed out that GPS interference incidents are rising worldwide, especially in conflict zones. The Indian government is also paying attention to these incidents.
Experts suggest that attacks like these pose a threat to aviation safety, necessitating strong systems. The NSA's investigation is expected to reveal the reasons soon. If proven a cyberattack, strict actions will follow against culprits. This incident serves as a reminder for the country to fortify cybersecurity measures.
