How GPS Can Lie to an Airplane

GPS spoofing can make an aircraft’s satellite navigation report the wrong position. How does that differ from GPS jamming—and what can crews rely on when satellite information becomes unreliable? Using a simple road-sign analogy, this explainer follows the difference between losing a signal and receiving misleading information. We look at why interference can affect more than a map, how European aviation authorities are responding, and how inertial systems and ground-based navigation can provide alternatives. The central question: if two displays agree, are they independent checks—or could they be repeating the same mistake? CHAPTERS 00:00 One aircraft, two positions 00:25 Jamming vs. spoofing 00:55 When the position is wrong 01:12 Why aviation is responding 01:54 Navigating without GPS 02:31 Which information can you trust? 02:52 One aircraft, conflicting answers SOURCES & FURTHER READING Airbus Safety First — GNSS Interference https://safetyfirst.airbus.com/gnss-i... EASA & EUROCONTROL — Joint action plan for safe operations during GNSS interference (26 March 2026) https://www.eurocontrol.int/press-rel... Subscribe to BLINDSPOT ATLAS for researched explainers about the systems, events and ideas shaping our world. VISUALS & PRODUCTION AI-generated illustrations and explanatory graphics. These visuals do not depict a specific flight or incident. Narration produced with ElevenLabs. #GPSSpoofing #Aviation #GPS