EASA GROUND HANDLING REGULATION · Aero Support Group FZCO · Updated 23 October 2026
What the EU ground handling regulation is
The package has three acts:
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20: requirements for ground handling organisations (Part-ORGH and operational requirements). Published 7 March 2025, in force 27 March 2025, applicable from 27 March 2028.
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/23: requirements for competent authorities overseeing ground handling.
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/22: amends Part-IS so that information security requirements apply to ground handlers from 27 March 2031.
It covers ground handling of aeroplanes. Self-handling is covered only for commercial air transport with complex aircraft.
Declaration, not approval
- Ground handlers declare to the competent authority that they comply. There is no certificate or approval to wait for.
- Declarations can be submitted from 27 March 2027 to 27 March 2028. EASA has said there will be no findings during this transition.
- An organisation based in an EASA Member State declares to its home authority. One based outside declares to each State where it operates.
- The competent authority then oversees the organisation, and findings can follow.
What the regulation requires
- Management system: accountable manager, safety policy, SMS with hazard identification and risk management, safety culture, management of change, safety reporting, compliance monitoring and documentation.
- Ground handling manual describing how the organisation works.
- Training and assessment programme: recurrent training at least every 36 months, and dangerous goods recurrent training at least every 24 months.
- GSE maintenance programme for ground support equipment.
- Occurrence reporting within 72 hours.
- Information security (ORGH.MGM.201 and Part-IS) from 27 March 2031.
How it relates to ISAGO and IGOM
Many ground handlers already hold ISAGO registration and work to IGOM. Much of that material can support compliance, but the EU rules are legal requirements with their own wording and oversight. A mapping between the existing ISAGO-based system and Regulation (EU) 2025/20 shows what can be reused and what must be added, such as the declaration, the GSE maintenance programme and reporting to the authority.
How ASG helps
- Gap analysis against Regulation (EU) 2025/20 and its AMC/GM, mapped to your current ISAGO, IGOM or national system.
- Management system and SMS design proportionate to your size and stations.
- Ground handling manual drafting or restructuring.
- Training programme and records that meet the 36- and 24-month recurrent requirements.
- GSE maintenance programme development.
- Declaration preparation and a readiness check before submission.
- Part-IS planning for 2031.
Conclusion
The EU ground handling regulation turns industry good practice into legal obligation. Ground handlers who start now can build their declaration on the system they already have and avoid a rush in 2027. ASG helps them map, fill the gaps and declare with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20 applies from 27 March 2028. Declarations can be submitted from 27 March 2027.
No. They declare compliance to their competent authority, which then oversees them.
Only for commercial air transport with complex aircraft. It covers aeroplanes, not helicopters.
From 27 March 2031, under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/22.
Much of it can support compliance, but a mapping is needed to cover requirements specific to the EU rules, such as the declaration, GSE maintenance and authority reporting.
Key takeaways
- Regulation (EU) 2025/20 applies from 27 March 2028
- Declarations open on 27 March 2027
- No approval: ground handlers declare compliance
- SMS, manual, training and GSE maintenance are required
- Part-IS applies from 27 March 2031
Getting ready for the EU ground handling rules?
Tell us your stations and current system. ASG will map it to Regulation (EU) 2025/20 and plan your declaration.