India issues alert to pilots over GPS disruptions near Mumbai amid rising Pakistan tensions

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning pilots of potential GPS signal interference in Mumbai’s airspace between November 13 and 17, 2025.

The advisory comes shortly after similar GPS disruptions were reported near New Delhi earlier this week, prompting authorities to heighten surveillance over potential electronic interference affecting aircraft navigation systems.

Officials said the move follows escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after back-to-back explosions in Delhi and Islamabad on November 10 and 11, which intelligence agencies suspect may involve elements of cross-border sabotage.

According to the DGCA, pilots operating in and around Mumbai have been instructed to remain vigilant and report any anomalies in satellite-based navigation immediately to air traffic control. The agency said the precaution is part of broader efforts to safeguard aviation safety amid increased reports of GPS jamming incidents along the western border regions.

“Operational safety remains our highest priority. We are closely monitoring signal integrity and coordinating with relevant defense and communication authorities,” a senior DGCA official stated.

Experts warn that deliberate interference with Global Positioning System (GPS) signals can disrupt navigation and timing systems critical for flight operations, potentially posing risks during takeoff and landing in congested airspaces such as Mumbai.

The warning remains in effect until November 17, with authorities expected to review the situation based on pilot feedback and technical monitoring data.