CATSA’s screening officers conduct screening of non-passengers accessing restricted areas at major airports. Non-passengers include flight and cabin crews, airline customer service personnel, caterers, maintenance personnel, baggage handlers and other airport staff.
It’s the Law
Transport Canada introduced non-passenger screening (NPS) regulations in 2004 to enhance both airport and civil aviation security.
When and Where Does NPS Take Place?
Screening occurs during airport operational hours at doors leading into restricted areas and at random within those zones. In addition, several checkpoints equipped with state-of-the-art, biometric technology are located at some of the largest airports.
NPS continues to evolve as a program; the one constant is the need for cooperation between screening officers and non-passengers to make the process hassle free. The vast majority of screenings are quick and routine, but mutual respect helps ensure a smoother process for everyone involved. Ultimately, non-passengers must comply with NPS or risk losing their access privileges.