ICAO Raises Alarm Over North Korea’s Ongoing GNSS Interference Threatening Int’l Aviation Safety
The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has expressed deep concern over the continued incidents of radio frequency interference affecting Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in the Incheon Flight Information Region (FIR), which have persisted since 2 October 2024.
In a decision released on 17 April 2025, the ICAO Council disclosed that these disruptions have been traced to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), despite prior Council decisions urging the country to halt such activities.
The persistent interference, according to the Council, poses a serious threat to the safety of international air navigation and is in direct violation of the principles enshrined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) and its Annexes.
“The Council noted with grave concern the continuing incidents of GNSS radio frequency interference in the Incheon FIR,” ICAO stated, underscoring the risks such disruptions pose to the integrity and safety of global civil aviation.
The Council issued a strong call for the DPRK to fully implement earlier Council decisions and to strictly adhere to its obligations under the Chicago Convention.
It also reiterated its previous demands that the DPRK take all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Given the ongoing and serious nature of the interference, the ICAO Council announced its intention to consider bringing the matter before the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly, scheduled to be held in September 2025, in accordance with Article 54(k) of the Chicago Convention.
The Council affirmed its commitment to maintaining close oversight of the situation and emphasised the importance of upholding the safety and integrity of international civil aviation operations worldwide.
