Aviation Operators Face Final EASA Part-IS Cybersecurity Deadline in 2026

A critical deadline is approaching for a significant portion of the European aviation industry, as the second implementation phase of a landmark cybersecurity rule takes effect. By February 22, 2026, entities including air operators, Part-145 maintenance organizations, Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations (CAMOs), and Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) must comply with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-IS regulation.

This mandate requires affected organizations to establish and maintain a fully operational Information Security Management System (ISMS). The ISMS is a structured framework of policies and procedures designed to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate information security risks that could compromise aviation safety.

A Two-Phased Approach to Cybersecurity

The Part-IS framework, established under regulations (EU) 2022/1645 and (EU) 2023/203, was rolled out in two stages. The first deadline of October 16, 2025, applied to design and production organizations, airport operators, and apron management service providers. The upcoming February 2026 deadline targets the operational side of the industry, ensuring that the entire aviation ecosystem is fortified against digital threats.

The core of the regulation is the shift from viewing cybersecurity as a purely IT issue to treating it as an integral component of aviation safety. As aviation becomes more reliant on interconnected digital systems for everything from flight controls to maintenance logs, its vulnerability to cyber-attacks has grown significantly. These threats range from ransomware that can halt operations to supply chain attacks that could compromise critical data.

Integrating Security with Safety

A key requirement of Part-IS is the integration of the ISMS with an organization's existing Safety Management System (SMS). This move formally links cyber risk management with traditional safety protocols, forcing organizations to consider how a data breach or system compromise could lead to a safety incident. This holistic approach ensures that cybersecurity is not managed in a silo but is part of the broader safety culture.

By mandating a comprehensive ISMS, EASA aims to build a baseline of cyber resilience across the industry. While the framework is specific to aviation, it aligns with established international standards like ISO/IEC 27001, providing a familiar structure for organizations to build upon.

As the 2026 deadline nears, airlines, maintenance providers, and training centers must accelerate their efforts to develop and implement their ISMS frameworks. Compliance is not merely a regulatory obligation but a fundamental step toward safeguarding operations and ensuring passenger safety in an increasingly digital world.

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