The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is the federal authority responsible for aviation security screening at 89 designated airports across Canada.
CATSA expects to screen 74.4 million passengers in 2025/26, reflecting an approximate 5.5% increase from the 70.5 million passengers expected to be screened in 2024/25. It is anticipated that passenger traffic will increase further over the coming years, with 77.9 million passengers expected to be screened in 2026/27, and reaching 86.3 million by 2029/30.
In the first half of 2024/25, 97.4% of all passengers waited less than 15 minutes to be screened. Building on this performance and subject to available funding, CATSA will continue to provide the highest level of security screening, while innovating and elevating the client experience.
CATSA’s operations are guided by its Strategic Plan, which serves as a roadmap to inform key activities through to 2029/30. As seen below, it will foster an environment that upholds its core values, its commitment to: Protect, Innovate, and Elevate, and its dedication to fulfilling the mandate and achieving the mission and vision.
Invest in Our People for Tomorrow
CATSA will nurture an inclusive environment that fosters excellence and engagement, and be an employer of choice through:
- Addressing capacity limitations and organizational requirements considering an evolving labour and fiscal environment;
- Cultivating a flexible, diverse and inclusive workplace that supports the needs and well-being of employees; and
- Affirming our commitment to CATSA’s workforce and to screening officers by prioritizing training, professional growth, and deliberate consultations.
Drive Innovation
CATSA will enhance security effectiveness and screening efficiency, and champion forward-thinking solutions by:
- Implementing creative processes and next generation technologies to enhance efficacy and efficiency, oversight, and training programs;
- Developing a new screening technology roadmap for pre-board screening, hold baggage screening and non-passenger screening which will chart technology advancements, including accessible checkpoints and accommodations that enhance the client experience; and
- Promoting a culture of innovation and inspiring our workforce to solve emerging challenges.
Promote an Integrated Aviation System
CATSA will maximize opportunities for collective engagement and advance industry harmonization by:
- Collaborating with partners to optimize screening capacity and performance;
- Identifying opportunities for alignment, and advancing common objectives; and
- Supporting Transport Canada in the implementation of increased accountability, transportation security priorities, regulatory changes, data sharing and integration initiatives, and best practices.
Elevate the Client Experience
CATSA will deliver continuous improvement for our clients and engage the community through:
- The development and execution of the Service Strategy to enhance the client experience while maintaining competitive wait-time service levels;
- The prioritization of regular, comprehensive training for third-party screening officers to support respectful and barrier-free security screening for all travellers; and
- The implementation of best practices that respect official languages, accessibility, and the diversity of the travelling public, in consideration of lived experiences and lessons learned.
As part of Budget 2023, CATSA received $1.7 billion in supplemental funding over three years, ending in 2025/2026. Additional sustainable long-term funding is required for 2026/27 and beyond for CATSA to deliver its mandated activities and achieve its strategic objectives.