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ISAGO Ground Handling Audit Readiness: What GHSPs Must Do Under the Enhanced Audit Model
- April 6, 2026
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ISAGO ground handling audit readiness demands proactive preparation as IATA rolls out its enhanced two-step audit model aligned with IGOM and AHM standards.
GROUND OPERATIONS & SAFETY · By ASG
By Ferhan Bugay · 6 April 2026
Key Topic
The IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) programme has entered its most significant transformation in over a decade. With the launch of an enhanced audit model, full alignment of checklists with the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and Airport Handling Manual (AHM), and a new two-step audit process, ISAGO ground handling audit readiness is now a top priority for every ground handling service provider (GHSP) seeking to maintain or achieve accreditation.
ENHANCED MODEL LAUNCH
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ICHM REPLACES CGM
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RECORD ACCREDITATIONS (STATIONS)
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IGOM EDITION EFFECTIVE JAN 2026
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What Is the Enhanced ISAGO Audit Model?
Ground handling remains one of the most operationally complex and safety-critical domains in civil aviation. From passenger processing and baggage handling to aircraft loading, de-icing, and pushback, the scope of activities managed by ground handling service providers (GHSPs) touches virtually every aspect of the turnaround process. It is precisely because of this complexity that ISAGO ground handling audit readiness has become a strategic priority — not merely an administrative exercise — for organisations seeking to demonstrate safety, standardisation, and operational maturity to airline customers and regulators alike.
In 2024, the ISAGO programme reached a record 400 station accreditations, helping airlines avoid 545 internal audits, streamline 359 procurement decisions, and deliver combined savings of USD 8.7 million. IATA has now launched the most comprehensive transformation of ISAGO since its inception, and GHSPs that fail to adapt risk losing accreditation — and the competitive advantage it provides. The enhanced model was announced in 2024 and is being progressively implemented from Q1 2025, representing a fundamental shift in how ground handling organisations are assessed.
The Two-Step Audit Process and IGOM/AHM Alignment
The Two-Step Audit Process: The most significant structural change is the introduction of a two-step audit process. Previously, ISAGO audits combined documentation review and on-site assessment into a single engagement. Under the enhanced model, GHSPs must now complete two distinct phases: Step 1 — Gap Analysis & Self-Assessment, where GHSPs submit a gap analysis and self-assessment through IATA’s Operational Portal for remote validation by the assigned auditor; and Step 2 — On-Site Implementation Assessment, focused on verifying that documented procedures are effectively implemented in daily operations. This separation means GHSPs must have their documentation robust and IGOM-aligned before the audit engagement even begins.
Full Alignment with IGOM and AHM: From Q2 2025 onwards, all ISAGO audit checklists are fully based on IGOM (IATA Ground Operations Manual) and AHM (Airport Handling Manual) provisions. GHSPs must demonstrate direct conformity with these industry manuals — not just compliance with a standalone audit checklist. IGOM Edition 14, effective January 2026, introduces comprehensive revisions to passenger processes, baggage handling procedures, and high-risk turnaround actions. GHSPs must align their Ground Operations Manuals with these updated provisions.
ICHM Replacing CGM Module (January 2026): Effective January 2026, the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) standards replace the existing Cargo and Mail Ground Module (CGM) within the ISAGO framework. GHSPs with cargo operations in their accreditation scope must ensure their cargo handling procedures, training programmes, and safety management processes are aligned with ICHM requirements well ahead of this transition date.
Single-Auditor Model and Reduced Fees: The enhanced model introduces single-auditor audits for many station assessments, combined with remote documentation checks and updated checklists. IATA has reduced audit fees to encourage broader participation, particularly among smaller GHSPs and emerging market operators. Auditors will assess the same level of conformity through a more focused and efficient methodology.
Key Publication: IGOM Edition 14 — IATA Ground Operations Manual
IGOM Edition 14, effective January 2026, is the foundational reference for ISAGO accreditation under the enhanced audit model. All ISAGO audit checklists from Q2 2025 are based directly on IGOM and AHM provisions. GHSPs must align their Ground Operations Manuals with IGOM Edition 14 to satisfy the self-assessment requirements and pass the remote validation and on-site implementation assessment phases of the new two-step audit process.
Implications by Organisation Type
Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSPs)
GHSPs face the most direct impact of the enhanced ISAGO model. They must complete the IATA Operational Portal self-assessment, align their Ground Operations Manual with IGOM/AHM provisions, update cargo procedures to ICHM standards, and ensure that SMS processes — including hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety performance monitoring — are demonstrably effective across all accredited stations. Multi-station operators must also ensure consistency of implementation across geographically dispersed locations. The commercial stakes are high: major airlines increasingly require ISAGO accreditation as a precondition for ground handling contracts.
Airlines
Airlines that rely on ISAGO accreditation as part of their ground handling oversight framework should review their vendor management and contract requirements to reflect the enhanced audit standards. They should also consider how ISAGO findings integrate into their own Safety Management Systems and compliance monitoring programmes. For IOSA-registered airlines, there is a clear expectation that ground handling safety management processes are aligned with the airline’s own SMS, including consistent hazard reporting, shared risk registers for ground-aircraft interface risks, and coordinated safety performance indicators.
Civil Aviation Authorities
Regulators overseeing ground handling activities — including those undergoing ICAO USOAP audits — should be aware of how ISAGO accreditation intersects with state oversight obligations. The alignment of ISAGO with IGOM/AHM provides a clearer benchmark for national ground handling regulations.
Connecting ISAGO Readiness to SMS, IOSA, and Regulatory Frameworks
ISAGO does not exist in isolation. The enhanced ISAGO model places greater emphasis on SMS maturity within GHSPs. Auditors will now assess not just whether an SMS exists on paper, but whether it is operationally active — meaning hazards are being identified, risks are being assessed and mitigated, safety data is being analysed, and management review processes such as Safety Review Boards are functioning effectively. For organisations operating under EASA Part-145 or holding EASA TCO authorisations, aligning quality and safety management systems across multiple frameworks — ISAGO, EASA, UK CAA TCO — can achieve significant efficiencies while demonstrating a mature, integrated approach to regulators and customers.
Practical Takeaways for GHSPs
Conclusion
The enhanced ISAGO model is not simply a procedural update — it is a fundamental shift toward performance-based assessment of ground handling safety. GHSPs that treat ISAGO ground handling audit readiness as an ongoing operational capability, rather than a periodic compliance exercise, will not only maintain their accreditation but will also strengthen their competitive position, reduce operational risk, and build lasting trust with airline customers. The transition to IGOM/AHM-based checklists, the two-step audit process, and the ICHM replacement of CGM all demand proactive action. Organisations that begin their preparation now — through gap analysis, manual alignment, SMS strengthening, and internal audits — will be best positioned to navigate this new landscape with confidence.
The new ISAGO two-step audit process requires GHSPs to first submit a gap analysis and self-assessment through IATA’s Operational Portal, which is remotely validated by the auditor. The second step is an on-site implementation assessment focused on verifying that documented procedures are effectively implemented in daily operations. This separation improves audit efficiency but requires GHSPs to have documentation fully aligned with IGOM/AHM before the formal audit engagement begins.
From Q2 2025 onwards, all ISAGO audit checklists are fully based on IGOM and AHM provisions. ISAGO ground handling audit readiness now requires direct conformity with these IATA industry manuals. GHSPs must align their Ground Operations Manuals, procedures, and training with IGOM Edition 14 and applicable AHM requirements to satisfy both the self-assessment and on-site audit phases.
The IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) standards replace the existing Cargo and Mail Ground Module (CGM) within the ISAGO framework effective January 2026. GHSPs with cargo handling in their accreditation scope must transition their procedures and training to ICHM standards before this date to maintain their accreditation.
Yes. The enhanced ISAGO model places significant emphasis on SMS maturity. Auditors assess whether the SMS is operationally active — including hazard identification, risk assessment, safety performance monitoring, and management review processes. A documentation-only SMS will not satisfy enhanced ISAGO requirements. GHSPs must demonstrate that their SMS is driving real operational safety improvements.
Aero Support Group provides comprehensive ISAGO consulting services including gap analysis against IGOM/AHM standards, Ground Operations Manual development and alignment, SMS implementation and enhancement, corrective action planning, and mock audit assessments. With experience across 900+ projects in 100+ countries, ASG supports GHSPs through every phase of the ISAGO accreditation process under the enhanced audit model.
- Conduct a comprehensive IGOM/AHM gap analysis using IATA's Operational Portal
- Update your Ground Operations Manual to align with IGOM Edition 14
- Transition cargo handling procedures to ICHM standards before January 2026
- Strengthen your SMS to demonstrate operational effectiveness — not just documentation
- Prepare a high-quality self-assessment for IATA Operational Portal remote validation
- Conduct internal audits and mock assessments against new IGOM/AHM-based checklists
Need Support with ISAGO Audit Readiness?
Aero Support Group provides end-to-end ISAGO consulting, gap analysis, Ground Operations Manual development, SMS implementation, and mock audit support for ground handling organisations worldwide.
ASG
Aero Support Group
Global Aviation Consulting
Aero Support Group is a global aviation consulting firm specialising in safety, quality, security, continuing airworthiness, and regulatory compliance support for airlines, MROs, ground handling organisations, training providers, and civil aviation authorities. With experience spanning 900+ projects in 100+ countries, the company delivers expert support across IOSA, ISAGO, EASA TCO, UK CAA TCO, EASA Part-145, FAA Part 145, Part-M, Part-CAMO, Part-147, SMS, QMS, IMS, ACC3, SeMS, and Part-IS. Aero Support Group also supports leading international organisations including IATA, ICAO, PRISM, ARGUS International, and RSM through specialised consulting and subject matter expertise.
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