EASA SIB 2023-05: Possible Risks Emerging During Summer 2023

What to do

Affected stakeholders should conduct specific safety risk assessments considering the identified issues, enhance monitoring, and implement mitigating measures. Air operators should carefully plan crew rosters and aircraft availability, avoid excessive reliance on exceptional crew duty extensions, and prepare for increased unruly passenger incidents. Aerodrome operators and ground handling providers should improve collaboration and training to optimize resource use and maintain safety. No compliance deadlines are specified as recommendations are non-mandatory.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2023-05 highlights possible risks emerging during the summer 2023 aviation season in Europe. It addresses challenges faced by national competent authorities, air operators, aerodrome operators, ground handling service providers, ATM/ANS providers, maintenance organisations, and training organisations due to increased traffic demand and operational disruptions. The bulletin does not target specific aircraft or engine types but focuses on systemic risks such as staff shortages, cyber-attacks, and capacity issues.

What changed

This new Safety Information Bulletin introduces an awareness-raising communication about potential safety risks linked to increased traffic and operational disruptions during summer 2023. It outlines identified risk factors and provides non-mandatory recommendations for risk management, operational planning, and collaboration among aviation stakeholders to mitigate these emerging challenges.

Why it matters

The bulletin matters because aviation professionals must anticipate and manage increased operational pressures that could impact safety, such as fatigue from staff shortages and disruptions in ground handling and maintenance. Understanding these risks helps operators and service providers maintain safety standards and avoid travel disruptions during peak traffic periods.