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Ground handling

Ground handling is the process of servicing an aircraft when it is parked, usually between flights whilst the plane is at the airport terminal gate.

Ground handling is frequently subcontracted by airlines to the airports they use, to third-party agents or to other airlines.

The ground handling team is made up of staff who perform a wide range of functions including:

Ramp handling: guiding the plane into position and operating
Servicing vehicles on the tarmac
Refuelling and maintenance of the aircraft
Clearing of the cabin and restocking of the catering supplies
Check-in and boarding at the terminal gate

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Amsterdam Schiphol Airport pioneers autonomous GPU connection robot

8 December 2025 | By International Airport Review

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is testing self-driving ground power units to cut emissions and improve turnaround times on the apron.

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Strike action at London Luton Airport threatens Christmas travel for easyJet passengers

8 December 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

DHL check-in and baggage staff at Luton plan six days of strikes over pay, risking delays and cancellations during the busiest festive travel period.

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Digital transformation and innovation take centre stage on day one of International Airport Summit 2025

20 November 2025 | By International Airport Summit

From digital transformation to sustainability and passenger experience, day one of IAS2025 showcased the airport sector’s most pressing challenges and boldest solutions.

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Mobile ground crew app transforms airport operations across easyJet network

17 November 2025 | By Holly Miles

New solution delivers faster boarding, shorter queues, and more personal service across easyJet’s network

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International Airport Summit 2025 kicks off this week uniting global airport leaders

17 November 2025 | By International Airport Summit

Industry leaders will gather in Berlin to explore the future of airport innovation, sustainability and passenger experience.

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Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 partners with SAVE Group to manage Winter Olympic and Paralympic airport travel operations

12 November 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 and SAVE Group will collaborate to enhance airport operations and travel efficiency across northern Italy during the Winter Games.

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Avinor launches hydrogen infrastructure study to prepare Norwegian airports for future sustainable aviation

12 November 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Avinor partners with Norconsult to explore hydrogen storage and refuelling infrastructure, inviting industry input to support future sustainable operations at Norwegian airports.

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Finavia completes Rovaniemi Airport departures hall expansion

30 October 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Rovaniemi Airport’s departures hall has been expanded with new facilities, natural light, and improved ground traffic arrangements, enhancing passenger experience and supporting regional tourism.

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Turners tanker drivers’ strike to hit airline fuel supplies at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports

17 October 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Tanker drivers based at Grangemouth working for Turners will strike over pay, disrupting fuel deliveries to airlines at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.

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London Heathrow Airport welcomes record September passengers while maintaining punctuality and security across Europe

13 October 2025 | By

London Heathrow Airport handled nearly 7.4 million passengers in September 2025, remaining Europe’s most punctual hub and reinforcing its global connectivity and economic importance.

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Strikes at Bournemouth Airport to take place after new pay offer rejected

19 September 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Unite members at Bournemouth Airport will strike on four dates after rejecting a new pay deal, with flights from TUI and Ryanair heavily affected.

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JFK Airport Terminal 6 to launch pooled electric ground fleet in landmark sustainability partnership

16 September 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

JFK Millennium Partners and Fortbrand will manage Terminal 6’s shared electric ground equipment, supporting the Port Authority’s ambitious net-zero emissions goals by 2050.

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Munich Airport launches new electric bus depot to drive zero-emission apron operations by 2035

20 August 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Munich Airport has opened a major electric bus depot with 37 chargers, supporting its Net Zero 2035 strategy and boosting sustainable ground operations significantly.

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Bristol Airport opens £60m interchange to boost bus and coach travel options

23 July 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Bristol Airport’s new public transport interchange triples capacity, improving sustainable travel options for passengers, staff and the wider region.

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Hong Kong Airport keeps flights running smoothly as Typhoon Wipha hits during summer peak

21 July 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Hong Kong International Airport handled 1,500 flights and supported stranded passengers during Typhoon Wipha with efficient coordination and extra services.

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Latest News

Ground handling