EASA is currently conducting a consultation. Anyone with responsibility for airport operations—whether as a compliance manager at an airport or as a staff member at an aviation authority—should be familiar with NPA 2026-01 before it becomes official regulations. The document is not yet a binding legal act. But those who do not review it now will be making investment and planning decisions based on a framework that is currently changing.
Relevant for: Airport operators, compliance managers, and safety managers (apron, markings, ground handling), as well as aviation authorities (heliport approvals, GRF oversight, comments)
The starting point is ICAO Amendment 18 to Annex 14, Volume I, as well as Amendments 9 and 10 to Annex 14, Volume II. The provisions cover visual aids, apron layout, ground handling, apron management, heliports, and obstacle limitation surfaces. EASA does not adopt these provisions verbatim but rather incorporates them into the European regulatory framework and adds its own clarifications.
What NPA 2026-01 Provides for in Detail
Mandatory Instruction Markings
Until now, the taxiway code letter has served as the basis for design. Going forward, the Outer Main Gear Wheel Span (OMGWS), as specified in CS ADR-DSN.L.605, will apply. For those currently planning markings or preparing requests for proposals: Any ongoing planning based on the taxiway code letter must be reviewed for OMGWS compliance.
Closed Runway Lighting
A new requirement is the installation of an illuminated “X” on closed runways to prevent unintended landings. EASA has updated its guidance material on potential interference with instrument landing systems and clarifies that the electrical system should operate independently of the regular runway lighting system.
"Unserviceability" Signage: Instead of physical orange signs with black lettering, the proposal calls for variable/electronic displays. The rationale: A new sign color adds complexity, visibility at night or in poor visibility conditions is limited, and electronic displays can be operated more flexibly.
Global Reporting Format
There has been a discrepancy between ADR and Air-OPS regulations regarding the runway condition code when less than 25 percent of one-third of a runway is wet or contaminated. The NPA resolves this discrepancy through amendments to AMC1 ADR.OPS.B.037(a);(b) and GM1 CAT.OP.MPA.303.
Heliport FATO Minimum Dimensions
For certain configurations, a Design D of 1.5 will apply in the future, instead of the previous 1 D. The permissible FATO slope is set at 2 percent. For those who operate or approve heliports: Existing facilities designed to a 1 D standard will no longer automatically meet the requirements in the future. To this end, the NPA directly intervenes in operational procedures: Vehicles may not be operated within the FATO safety zone, on the taxi route, or within the helicopter stand’s safety zone while helicopters are in motion.
New Apron Design Criteria and Formal Ground Handling Requirements
EASA fully adopts the apron design criteria from ICAO Amendment 18: spacing between parking positions, markings, signage, apron lighting, areas for ground handling equipment, vehicle routes, and protection against jet blast and propeller wash (CS ADR-DSN.E.345). Existing aprons must be inspected for compliance. In addition, ADR.OR.D.040 requires airport operators to enter into formal agreements with ground handling organizations.
Obstacle Limitation Surfaces are not part of this NPA
For those who have been waiting for a reform of the Obstacle Limitation Surfaces: it is not happening here. The topic has been moved to the separate Rulemaking Task RMT.0751, “Protection of Aerodrome Surroundings.” Anyone wishing to assess the full scope of upcoming rule changes must keep an eye on both processes. Authorities and operators had until June 23, 2026, to submit comments. The deadline has passed. What matters now is understanding which of the proposed changes affect your own operations or regulatory practices, and making investment and planning decisions based on that information.