View source for Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

'''The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority''' ('''CATSA'''; French: ''Administration canadienne de la sûreté du transport aérien'') is the federal Crown corporation responsible for security screening at Canada’s civil airports. CATSA delivers or oversees pre-board passenger screening, checked baggage screening, and non-passenger screening at designated airports, working under the policy and regulatory framework set by [[Transport Canada]].

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<div style="font-weight:700; color:#0b6bcb; margin-bottom:6px;">At a glance — Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)</div>
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! style="text-align:left; width:44%; padding:4px 6px;" | Type
| style="padding:4px 6px;" | Federal Crown corporation (aviation security screening)
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! style="text-align:left; width:44%; padding:4px 6px;" | Core functions
| style="padding:4px 6px;" | Pre-board passenger screening • Checked baggage screening • Non-passenger screening (airport workers/contractors) • Screening equipment, contracts & standards • Public guidance on screening
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! style="text-align:left; width:44%; padding:4px 6px;" | Legal/Policy framework
| style="padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | '''CATSA Act''' • Aviation security regulations/directions under the '''Aeronautics Act''' (Transport Canada)
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! style="text-align:left; width:44%; padding:4px 6px;" | Delivery model
| style="padding:4px 6px;" | Screening provided by CATSA-contracted service providers at designated airports; oversight, training & quality control by CATSA
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! style="text-align:left; width:44%; padding:4px 6px;" | Official site
| style="padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | catsa-acsta.gc.ca
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== Mandate and role ==
CATSA’s mandate is to protect the public by screening people, baggage, and certain airport workers prior to entering secure areas or boarding aircraft. Transport Canada sets the aviation security rules; CATSA implements screening to meet those requirements, manages contracts and technology, and monitors performance.

== What CATSA screens ==
* '''Pre-board passenger screening (PBSS):''' People and carry-on items are screened for prohibited items (e.g., weapons, explosives) using X-ray/CT systems, walk-through metal detectors, explosive trace detection, and advanced imaging as required.  
* '''Hold/checked baggage screening (HBS):''' Checked luggage is screened using automated explosive detection systems; suspect bags are resolved by secondary inspection.  
* '''Non-passenger screening (NPS):''' Random or risk-based screening of airport workers and vehicles entering restricted areas, in partnership with airports.

== Screening experience and programs ==
* '''CATSA Plus (where available):''' Modernized lines with parallel divest, larger tables, automatic bin return, and improved flow.  
* '''Trusted traveller lanes (select airports):''' Dedicated lanes for eligible travellers (e.g., NEXUS members) with streamlined procedures; requirements vary by site.  
* '''Family & special needs support:''' Family/medical lanes and assistance for travellers with mobility aids, medical devices, or hidden disabilities.  
* '''Prohibited/controlled items:''' Lists and packing guidance are maintained publicly; some items may be permitted in checked baggage only.

== Governance, oversight, and partners ==
* CATSA is overseen by a Board and funded by the federal government.  
* [[Transport Canada]] regulates aviation security and inspects CATSA for compliance.  
* Airports operate facilities and access control; air carriers apply their own security programs consistent with federal requirements.  
* Law enforcement at airports (e.g., local police or RCMP units) respond to security incidents.

== Technology and quality assurance ==
CATSA specifies and maintains screening equipment, certifies new technologies, trains screening officers, and conducts covert tests, observations, and audits to ensure consistent performance against standards.

== Passenger rights & responsibilities ==
Travellers must comply with screening instructions, present boarding passes and identification when required, and declare specific items. CATSA publishes information on preparing for screening, medical accommodations, and complaint/compliment channels.

== See also ==
* [[Transport Canada]] • [[Canadian Transportation Agency]] (air passenger protection & accessibility) • [[NAV CANADA]] (air navigation)  
* [[Airports in Canada]] • [[Public safety in Canada]]

== External links (official) ==
* CATSA — What to expect at screening: https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/  
* What can I bring?: https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/ (search: “What Can I Bring”)

[[Category:Transport in Canada]]
[[Category:Aviation in Canada]]
[[Category:Government of Canada agencies]]
[[Category:Airport security]]