Air Carriers Must Have Security Programs

Summary#

These are proposed changes called Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Security Program for Air Carriers). They would require many air carriers that fly internationally to have an approved written security program and update some existing aircraft-security rules. This is a proposal (Canada Gazette, Part I) and not law yet.

What it does#

• Requires certain air carriers to create, keep up-to-date, and get approval for a written security program (a “SPAC”) that follows Canada’s National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP).
• Applies only to air transport services that:
  • are scheduled commercial services to or from a foreign state;
  • operate flights where passengers are screened; and
  • use aircraft that can carry 20 or more passengers and have a maximum certified take-off weight of more than 8,618 kg.
• Sets specific program elements carriers must have, including:
  • named accountable executives and security officials;
  • documented roles and procedures;
  • risk assessments (threat, vulnerability, impact) and a strategic security plan;
  • emergency plans and yearly discussion-based exercises;
  • internal audits and quality-control activities;
  • training rules for security personnel and instructor qualifications.
• Clarifies Part 8 rules on aircraft security, including:
  • removal of goods left on board after each flight;
  • written declarations that firearms are unloaded and that firearms be inaccessible during flight;
  • notifying pilots of where people carrying or with access to weapons are seated;
  • new procedures for passengers transported in custody.
• Timeline in the proposal:
  • Existing in-scope carriers would have three years after the final publication in Canada Gazette, Part II to get approvals.
  • New in-scope carriers would be barred from starting service in Canada after that three-year mark unless they can show key security elements are approved beforehand.
• Enforcement: corporations that fail to comply could face administrative penalties up to $25,000 (some individual-level items list $10,000).

Who's affected#

• Transport Canada (TC) would administer and oversee the approvals and monitoring.
• An estimated 97 air carriers would be in scope: 16 Canadian-based and 81 foreign-based carriers. (The cost analysis in the proposal focuses on the 16 Canadian carriers.)
• Passengers and cargo shippers may feel indirect effects if carriers pass costs on.
• Smaller domestic-only operators and aircraft below the 20-passenger / 8,618 kg threshold are generally excluded.

Why it matters#

• The changes are meant to bring Canada’s rules closer to standards from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) so Canadian carriers are seen as meeting international expectations.
• The government estimates the proposal would cost about $7.2 million in present value over 2027–2038, split roughly $2.9 million for affected Canadian air carriers and $4.3 million for Transport Canada. There is also an annualized administrative burden of about $7,608 total (about $476 per affected business).
• In practical terms, travellers could see slightly higher fares if carriers pass on some costs. The main real-world impacts are stronger documentation, training, and oversight of airline security — steps meant to reduce the chance of security incidents and help Canada meet ICAO expectations.
• This is a proposed regulation and not yet in force. The proposal includes a public comment period. The rules would come into force on the third anniversary of their publication in Canada Gazette, Part II (publication in Part II was expected in 2027 in the proposal document).