On Tuesday night, Passengers on Emirates flight EK 606 had an anxious moment when the aircraft’s GPS malfunctioned during its final descent into Karachi.
According to aviation officials, the flight departed from Dubai and was en route to Karachi. The flight’s service was at around 3,000 feet when the flight crew noticed the glitch and quickly informed Air Traffic Control. Controllers then guided the aircraft to a safe landing at Jinnah International Airport.
No injuries were reported, and airport operations continued as usual. A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson stated that modern aircraft are equipped with multiple backup systems, ensuring that safety is never compromised. The official added:
“GPS signals are satellite-based and not managed locally, but we will review the matter with the airline”
The incident echoes earlier navigation troubles in Pakistan’s skies. Last year, a Pakistan International Airlines flight from Karachi to Sukkur veered off course after its navigation system failed, requiring ATC to intervene.
Globally, airlines have reported an increase in GPS disruptions, ranging from technical faults to suspected jamming and spoofing. While the exact cause of Tuesday’s glitch is not yet clear, experts say interruptions at low altitude, especially during approach, demand close attention.
The CAA confirmed that Emirates engineers and regulators will conduct a comprehensive technical inspection of the aircraft and its flight data. For now, officials credit the crew’s quick response and ATC coordination for preventing a potentially serious situation.