EASA has published several significant regulatory updates for 2026, covering ground handling safety, air operations amendments, information security, and GNSS interference. Here's what matters for pilots, operators, and flight training students.
First-Ever Ground Handling Regulations
The European Commission has published the first dedicated safety regulations for ground handling services, formally bringing this area under EASA's regulatory framework. The rules come in two parts: Delegated Regulation 2025/20 (requirements for ground handling organisations) and Implementing Regulation 2025/23 (competent authority oversight requirements). Implementation is expected by 2028, with EASA supporting the industry through the transition.
Over 300,000 ground handling personnel work at EU airports daily. Until now, this critical area of flight safety operated without EU-wide safety regulation — a gap that incidents like the recent Munich Airport stranding have highlighted.
Air Operations Update — Opinion 01/2026
Published on January 28, 2026, EASA Opinion 01/2026 proposes amendments to the air operations framework covering three key areas: new training and competency requirements for operations control personnel (flight dispatchers); alignment of EU ETOPS rules with ICAO's extended diversion time operations (EDTO) standards; and various improvements drawn from standardisation inspections and safety recommendations.
For pilots, the EDTO changes are particularly relevant — they update how diversion planning works for twin-engine operations, which directly affects fuel calculations and route planning on long-haul flights.
GNSS Jamming and Spoofing — Elevated Priority
EASA has elevated GNSS (GPS) jamming and spoofing to a top safety priority in the EPAS 2026 edition. The issue has been escalating across European airspace, particularly in the Baltic states, Eastern Mediterranean, and Black Sea regions. EASA's assessment calls for regulatory amendments to the PBN Implementing Regulation to address the negative effects of restrictions on conventional navigation.
For interview preparation, this is an increasingly common technical topic. Expect questions about: what happens when GNSS is jammed or spoofed, how to identify spoofing (position jumps, FMC disagreements), reversion to conventional navigation (VOR/DME), and whether the aircraft's IRS can provide short-term backup.
Information Security — Part-IS Mandatory
EASA's Part-IS regulations, with ORO Amendment 29 and SPA Amendment 17, introduce mandatory Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) for all operators. The requirements cover risk assessment, incident reporting, supplier oversight, and a new Information Security Management Manual. Authorities will begin reviewing ISMS compliance during 2026 audits.
EPAS 2026 Overview
The 15th edition of the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS) extends the 2023-2025 strategic cycle through 2026, adding three new priorities: big data technologies for safety risk management, rules simplification, and SES 2+ framework implementation. Two new safety issues have been added to the risk portfolio: in-flight fires in inaccessible areas, and out-of-specification synthetic aviation turbine fuels in operations.
