Writer

Amy Wilder

New air traffic procedures for lost communications and emergency descent took effect across EU airspace on May 1 under updates to the <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/easy-access-rules/easy-access-rules-standardised-european-rules-air-sera">Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA)</a>. These revisions, which apply in all EU member states regardless of national AIP publication status, include a second transponder code for IFR operations, new altitude retention timing, and clarified controller and pilot actions during emergency descent.
According to Belgian air navigation service provider <a href="https://mobilit.belgium.be/nl/publications/asil-2025-02-radio-communication-failure-procedures-sera14083">Skeyes</a>, “the most notable difference is the introduction of a new SSR code 7601.” The revised rules require IFR aircraft that lose communications but elect to continue flying in visual meteorological conditions to squawk 7601, a new SSR code introduced in SERA 14083. Aircraft that continue on an IFR clearance without diverting in VMC must still use 7600, the long-established lost comms code.
As highlighted by OpsGroup, the operational impact is significant. “If you squawk 7601, ATC will assume you are no longer flying IFR, and you’ll be treated accordingly. If you squawk 7600, you’ll be expected to follow the standard lost comms routing guidance and rejoin your route.”
In another change from ICAO Annex 2, the updated SERA rule replaces the traditional “seven-minute rule” with a longer timeframe. Pilots must now wait 20 minutes after the estimated arrival time over a compulsory reporting point—unless otherwise instructed—before initiating descent or deviation. This longer delay applies even in radar-controlled airspace.
For emergency descent scenarios, the update allows pilots to “navigate as deemed appropriate” rather than mandating an off-route turn. This gives crews flexibility to respond to traffic and terrain. Meanwhile, air traffic controllers are now expected to broadcast emergency information immediately on the sector frequency, alert nearby aircraft, and coordinate with adjacent units.
Skeyes emphasized that nearby aircraft should maintain their current clearance unless advised otherwise and remain alert for aircraft in descent. The new language also confirms that standard emergency procedures apply in combination with the lost comms protocols, if both events occur simultaneously.
The regulation change is already binding under EU law. While France issued notams ahead of the May 1 implementation, Switzerland—which is not an EU member but generally aligns with EASA—has not yet updated its national AIP guidance. Belgium and Luxembourg, served by Skeyes, updated their eAIP publications on May 15, but clarified that SERA already applies regardless of publication schedule. “SERA regulation has the force of law since its publication in the European regulations and takes precedence over national instructions in the event of a conflict,” the agency noted in its Aviation Safety Information Leaflet.
OpsGroup warned that crews may encounter short-term inconsistencies between national documents and binding European regulations. In such cases, SERA takes priority. UK rules, for example, no longer apply within EU airspace and should not be referenced.
The updates are part of broader efforts to harmonize procedures across European states and address issues in time-critical situations involving comms loss or emergency descent. Operators and flight crews are advised to review the new rules, update manuals, and ensure that flight planning and training reflect the changes now in effect.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

New Lost Com and Emergency Descent Rules Now in Effect Across EU Airspace

New 7601 squawk code applies to IFR flights in VMC

As of May 1, Europe’s updated ATC procedures include a new squawk code and revised lost comms rules under SERA.

Europe Adopts New Rules for Lost Com, Emergencies

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Eliminates ban on VFR night flying, allows single-pilot Part 135 with autopilot

Argentina Improves General Aviation Flying Freedom

Emergency landing raised issue of Red Lake Nation's claims over reservation airspace

‘Darrin’s Law’ Aims To Limit Tribal Airplane Taking

Kerry Lynch

FAA changes requirements surrounding antidepressants and diabetes

NBAA Lauds FAA Changes to Medication Requirements

Hanneke Weitering

Unauthorized banner- and target-towing ops prompt $15.7 million fine

FAA Alleges Unairworthy Learjet Ops at Aery Aviation

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Congress weighs operational resilience and innovation

Supersonic, ATC Bills Wind Way Through U.S. Congress

Charles Alcock

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

EBACE Convention News 2025

More In Regulations and Government

Argentina Improves General Aviation Flying Freedom

Eliminates ban on VFR night flying, allows single-pilot Part 135 with autopilot

‘Darrin’s Law’ Aims To Limit Tribal Airplane Taking

Emergency landing raised issue of Red Lake Nation's claims over reservation airspace

NBAA Lauds FAA Changes to Medication Requirements

FAA changes requirements surrounding antidepressants and diabetes

FAA Alleges Unairworthy Learjet Ops at Aery Aviation

Unauthorized banner- and target-towing ops prompt $15.7 million fine

Supersonic, ATC Bills Wind Way Through U.S. Congress

Congress weighs operational resilience and innovation

Dutch Charter Tax Poses New Threat to Business Aviation

European business aviation group lays out lobbying priorities for 2026

DOT’s National AAM Roadmap Draws Broad Industry Support

U.S. roadmap sets milestones for eVTOL and autonomous aircraft

AOPA Asks U.S. Government To Help Recover Seized Airplane

Engine failure over the tribe's land resulted in an emergency landing on a public highway

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN