IATA updates 2026 cargo and ground operations manuals

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the 2026 editions of its key cargo and ground operations manuals, incorporating nearly 100 changes to align with evolving international standards.

Battery transport dominates the latest Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR), reflecting a 25 per cent year-over-year increase in lithium battery shipments and recent incidents involving overheating power banks. Updates include formalized shipping names for hybrid-powered vehicles, stricter charge limits for lithium-ion batteries and new compliance tools for shippers.

The Live Animals Regulations (LAR) have also been revised to strengthen animal welfare standards amid more than 200,000 non-domestic animal shipments in 2024. Updates cover new container specifications, expanded training guidelines for animal attendants, and the inclusion of Brazil, which formally adopted the LAR this year.

The IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) introduces enhanced procedures for handling unaccompanied minors, unruly passengers and those requiring medical assistance, along with updates to baggage tracking and aircraft turnaround protocols.

New digital tools accompany the manuals, including the launch of LAR Verify, a portal for automated compliance, and an improved battery classification tool that now includes sodium-ion batteries.

“Global standards have made flying safe and reliable. For eight decades, IATA’s member airlines have worked with the industry value chain, including regulators, on standard setting and best practices critical to daily operations,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s senior vice-president of products and services. “This year’s IATA manuals updates reflect advancements in technology, digitalization, regulation and customer needs that are critical for safer, more efficient and increasingly sustainable operations.”