Ground Handling Policy Consultation

Until recently, the international civil aviation safety regulatory system has not included the direct regulation of ground handling services. However, the need for appropriate aviation safety regulation of ground handling services has been identified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as well as by regional and state aviation safety regulatory bodies, including the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA). 

• ICAO has promulgated a proposed amendment to its Standards and Recommended Practices, which is anticipated to take effect 26 November 2026, that will require states (including the Isle of Man) to establish criteria for the safety oversight of ground handling as part of their State Safety Programme
   
• ‘The EASA 'Basic Regulation' (opens in a new tab) currently provides ‘Essential Requirements for Aerodromes’, which includes high level objectives for ground handling services. Additionally, EASA has this year finalised their proposed new ground handling regulation (EASA Opinion 01/2024)(opens in a new tab) which establishes extensive and detailed ground handling requirements. It is expected that this new regulation will take effect in 2025 with a 3-year implementation period. It should be noted that EASA aviation safety regulation has no direct effect in the Isle of Man
   
• The UK CAA is developing new regulation for ground handling which is anticipated to be applicable by November 2026. UK CAA public workshops were held in autumn 2024 and a public consultation is anticipated in 2025. It should be noted that UK aviation safety regulation has no direct effect in the Isle of Man

What have we done

In developing our proposal, we have primarily aimed to meet the new ICAO requirement for states to establish a criteria for the safety oversight of ground handling as part of their State Safety Programme. Additionally, we have reviewed current and proposed legislation and policy in the United Kingdom and Europe. We have also taken account of the nature of current ground handling provision in the Isle of Man and any particular safety risks associated with it.