EASA publishes series of ground handling Regulations; enhancing safety, efficiency and standardisation
A new implementing regulation and delegated regulation from the European Commission, which together form the first ever ground handling safety regulations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), were published in March 2025.
The new rules consist of five parts: three Delegated Regulations (EU 2025/20, 2025/21, 2025/22) and two Implementing Regulations (EU 2025/23. 2025/24). Together, these Regulations establish a framework for safer, more standardised ground handling. They aim to elevate safety, accountability and oversight by requiring all ground handling providers to implement safety management systems as well as a series of incident reporting, staff training and maintenance. Airports gain more direct influence over ground operations, whilst national authorities must now oversee compliance through regular inspections. The rules also align ground handling with broader aviation safety and cybersecurity standards. Overall, the regulations aim to close long-standing safety gaps, reduce variability in ground handling practices across member states, and enhance coordination between airports, airlines, and service providers.
EASA’s new authority oversight means that ground handlers become formally responsible for the safe provision of services, rather than air operators, when operating from an EU aerodrome. The new rules seek to reduce the high number of industry audits, establish closer cooperation and harmonisation between stakeholders, and enhance safety. With mandatory safety management systems, structured training, and enhanced coordination between Ground Handling Service Providers, airports, and airlines, this regulation is a major step towards reducing apron incidents and boosting operational performance.
The regulations are now in force and stakeholders have three years to become compliant with the new rules (27 March 2028).
Read more here.
