Ground Handling Regulation
Ground Handling is the last main function of aviation operations to become regulated. In March 2025, European Union Ground Handling Regulations were published.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20 contains the requirements for organisations providing ground handing services. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/23 lays out the requirements for the oversight of ground handling activities by national authorities.
The regulation will aim to ensure that organisations providing ground handling services have an adequate safety management system in place, including robust training and document retention.
The regulations will apply to EU member states, and it is likely that non-EU states will implement similar regulations. For the EU, the first stage which involved self-declarations will be required by 27th March 2027.
The UK CAA are developing a new regulation for ground handling based on ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) to be applicable by November 2027.
EASA have published Easy Access Rules for Ground Handling here.
CAP3183 provides details of the UK CAA proposed Ground Handling Regulation.
EU Regulations at a Glance
The image below provides a useful overview of the new regulations. (Source: EASA Webinar).
EASA Webinar #1
June 2025
EASA Webinar #2
September 2025
EASA Webinar #3
December 2025
EASA Webinar #4
March 2026
UK CAA Webinar
The UK CAA hosted a webinar in September 2024 to introduce the upcoming Ground Handling Regulations:
UK CAA Consultation
The UK CAA launched a consultation for the proposal to regulate Ground Handling in the UK.
The regulation is planned to take effect from November 2027.
View the consultation here.
We can help organisations prepare for the upcoming regulations, either by providing our industry compliant training, or helping you design your training policies, procedures and documentation. Our Ground Handling courses are designed to meet Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) for the EU regulations, and the syllabus requirements of IATA AHM1110.