DiscoverWhat in the WorldWhy your plane’s GPS might be sabotaged (but don’t be scared)
Why your plane’s GPS might be sabotaged (but don’t be scared)

Why your plane’s GPS might be sabotaged (but don’t be scared)

Update: 2025-11-25
Share

Description

GPS interference or GPS ‘jamming’ is getting more common. It’s when radio signals on the same frequencies as GPS satellites are used to overwhelm and block legitimate navigation signals. It’s led to pilots having to make emergency landings or switch to older non-GPS systems. The issue has become so prevalent that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) held a conference on it last year. Several European governments also believe it is intentional interference by Russia. BBC journalist Emilia Jansson explains GPS jamming in detail and how it is affecting the aviation industry.

Plus we hear from Ian Petchenik, director of communications at flight-tracking website Flightradar24 about what GPS interference looks like in real-time.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producer: Emilia Jansson and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde

Comments 
loading
00:00
00:00
1.0x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Why your plane’s GPS might be sabotaged (but don’t be scared)

Why your plane’s GPS might be sabotaged (but don’t be scared)

BBC World Service