In the early hours of 25 September 2026, pilots aboard at least two United Airlines flights reported experiencing GPS interference while flying over the Los Angeles region. The affected flights, UA1962 and UA1866, continued their journeys without incident, utilizing backup navigation systems. Alaska Airlines flight AS222 was also affected. The source of this interference has yet to be identified, prompting investigations into possible ground-based jamming, unauthorized radio activity, or military electronic testing in the area.
GPS jamming involves the overpowering of satellite signals with noise, rendering receivers unable to determine precise positions. As a result, critical navigation and surveillance systems—such as ADS-B and terrain warning—could be compromised, especially for smaller aircraft with fewer redundancy options. The incident echoes a prior event in New Mexico where GPS interference was linked to a fatal crash, emphasizing the ongoing concerns about satellite signal security in aviation.
Authorities and industry groups continue to monitor the area, with scheduled GPS tests announced at several military ranges. The Federal Aviation Administration urges pilots to report any GPS anomalies to aid the ongoing investigation. While no damages have been reported, the event underscores the vulnerabilities associated with satellite navigation and the importance of robust backup systems in modern aviation.
