The IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) standardizes ground handling processes and procedures to reduce the complexity between working with multiple airlines, airports and ground service providers.

Standardizing ground and ramp operations for airlines can help drive down costs, reduce the risk of aircraft damages and simplify training requirements. The IGOM has also been known as an acceptable means of compliance for a reference tool for ISAGO audits.

The IATA Ground Operations Manual is a complementary manual to the Airport Handling Manual (AHM). The IGOM is procedure driven, focusing on “how to ​​do”. The AHM is policy driven and focuses on “what to do”​​​​​​​.

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ISAGO Checklist

 

The ISAGO Checklist is complementary to the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM). It is a straightforward tool for assessing compliance with ground handling standards, derived from key industry manuals. It promotes standardization, reducing the need for extensive audits by providing clear benchmarks and verifying adherence to established guidelines.

What's inside the IGOM

  • Chapter 1 – Passenger handling procedures (passenger departure, passenger security, passenger arrival, transfer and transit)
  • Chapter 2 – Baggage handling procedures (cabin baggage, checked baggage, offloading of checked baggage, mishandled or unclaimed baggage)
  • Chapter 3 – Aircraft general safety/servicing operations (ramp safety in aircraft handling, safety during fueling/defueling, adverse weather conditions, hand signals)
  • Chapter 4 – Aircraft turn-around (aircraft arrival, aircraft doors, aircraft departure, aircraft towing)
  • Chapter 5 – Load control (load control principles, regulatory requirements, qualification requirements, documentation)
  • Chapter 6 – Airside safety operational oversight (turnaround coordination/supervision requirements, reporting-incidents, accidents and near-misses, airside safety investigation procedure, emergency response procedures)

Still not sure if the IGOM is for you? Download the full table of contents with over 15 sample pages.

Stay up-to-date

Significant Changes and Amendments to the 15th edition (2027) of the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) include:

Chapter 1:

 

  • Overall enhancements in Sections 1.1.1, Pre-Departure Activities, 1.1.3, Passenger Check-in, 1.1.4, Passenger Acceptance, and 1.1.5, Documents Required for Travel.
  • Section 1.1.6 Baggage Acceptance: alignment of terminology with RP1749 to clearly differentiate between hand baggage and cabin baggage.
  • Section 1.2 Required Security Measures, previously titled "Passenger Security", has been enhanced based on the subsections introduced in the section.
  • Section 1.3 Passenger Arrival, Transfer and Transit enhanced to include preparation prior to flight arrival.
  • Section 1.4.10 Unruly Passengers completely revamped to provide operational awareness on actions to be taken in alignment with AHM 122.

Chapter 2:

 

  • Overall enhancements to the chapter to improve clarity.
  • Section 2.4.3 Codes for Baggage Identification – inclusion of BL-Transit Long in alignment with AHM 510.
  • Section 2.9 Mishandled Baggage updated to include:
    •  2.9.1 Mishandled Baggage – addition of information pertinent to baggage liability.
    • 2.9.3 Baggage Tracing (new).
    •  2.9.12 Baggage Taken in Error (TIE) (new).
    •  2.9.14 Lost and Found/Unchecked Mishandled Items (new) – actions to be taken.

Chapter 3:

 

  • Strengthened PPE requirements, clarifying that PPE must only be used as intended and not altered or worn in a way that compromises effectiveness.
  • Introduction of a “no-touch” policy for GSE not designed to contact aircraft, with reinforced guidance on maintaining safe distances.
  • Enhanced GSE operating procedures, including mandatory brake checks within Equipment Restraint Areas and clearer driving and parking controls.
  • New safety provisions for Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBB), including precautions to prevent falls, entrapment, and checks for floor and sidewall gaps.
  • Updated equipment-specific procedures, including restrictions on ULD loader rear platform use for personnel transfer and cross-referenced gap management guidance.
  • New subsection on safe forklift operations, limiting use to lifting and maneuvering heavy loads only (no aircraft loading/unloading).
  • Additional guidance introduced for operations in sandstorms, heavy precipitation, and flood conditions.

Chapter 4:

 

  • Clarified procedures for power lead lanyard attachment, prohibiting improper securing to GPU service panels.
  • Standardized communication protocols for door operations, including knock signals and visual “thumbs up” confirmation where applicable.
  • New requirements for controlled operation of main deck cargo door sill guards, including designated operator responsibilities.
  • Terminology updates replacing “OIR” with “Unloading Instructions” across loading and unloading sections.
  • Strengthened loading and unloading procedures, including mandatory final cargo hold inspections to ensure compliance and absence of FOD.
  • Operational refinements such as restrictions on unnecessary ULD rotation on ball mats and strengthened securing requirements.
  • Updates to pre-departure procedures, including revisions to the predeparture table and replacement of “Taxi out” with “Open Ramp.”