Europe’s first-ever ground handling regulations are here, and the countdown has already begun. Justyna Nagadowska explains how ground handlers can use this change to improve performance, resilience and cost efficiency.
For too long, ground handling has been overlooked within aviation safety. While airlines, airports, and air traffic management have operated under comprehensive regulatory frameworks for decades, ground handling — the very activity that touches every aircraft on every turnaround — has relied on industry best practices such as IATA's IGOM and AHM standards. That era is now over. Ground handling’s role in aviation safety is now explicitly addressed through two EASA regulations: (EU) 2025/20 and (EU) 2025/23.
Regulation (EU) 2025/20 sets out requirements for ground handling organisations, covering Safety Management Systems (SMS), personnel training and competence, operational procedures, equipment maintenance, compliance monitoring and cybersecurity. Regulation (EU) 2025/23 establishes the oversight framework for national competent authorities.
The compliance clock is already ticking. Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSPs) in Europe must submit their declarations between March 2027-March 2028, with full compliance required by March 2028. In the UK, the CAA is developing a regulatory framework aligned to ICAO standards, with implementation expected by November 2026 – meaning UK GHSPs should also begin preparing now.
As anyone with experience in aviation regulation knows, new requirements bring benefits but also challenges and risks.
Smaller GHSPs or those with limited resources may struggle to get everything done ‘right first time’ in time. The post-COVID landscape has reshaped the workforce. Mass layoffs led to the loss of experienced personnel who have not returned, while demand for flights has rebounded strongly. Added geopolitical pressures, including the war in the Middle East, are stretching resources further. In this climate, dedicating additional teams to regulatory implementation can feel unrealistic.
Large, multi station GHSPs face a different challenge. Because the declaration must be submitted in the State of the organisation’s principal place of business, there is a risk that a centralised, “head office” SMS may not reflect local operational realities. GHSPs therefore need an SMS that is centralised enough to ensure consistency, yet flexible enough to address site specific hazards and operating environments.
Implementing a new compliance framework will come at a cost, which makes getting it right the first time essential.
