Guyana, Panama ink agreement to eliminate passenger re-screening

Guyana and Panama have signed an agreement to eliminate the re-screening of passengers travelling between the two countries.

This follows a comprehensive aviation security assessment conducted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) by a delegation of three representatives from the Republic of Panama Civil Aviation Authority.

A release from the Civil Aviation Authority on Tuesday stated that the primary objective of this assessment was to determine whether airport security procedures at CJIA, airline security protocols implemented by COPA Airlines, and aviation security measures overseen by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) are comparable to those established in Panama.

The release noted that the assessment team meticulously evaluated various critical areas, including passenger and carry-on baggage screening, access control measures for individuals and vehicles, hold baggage screening, aircraft security, onboard security, and security measures at the terminal and boarding gates.

“The Panamanian delegation expressed great satisfaction with the findings as they presented a preliminary report to the GCAA, concluding that the security measures in place are effective and equivalent to those mandated by the Panama Civil Aviation Authority and implemented at Tocumen International Airport in Panama,” the release stated.

“This favourable assessment marks a significant step toward establishing a One Stop Security (OSS) arrangement between the two countries. The successful implementation of OSS will greatly enhance the travel experience for passengers flying between Guyana and Panama, particularly on COPA Airlines flights, by eliminating redundant security checks and streamlining the overall process. The agreement is expected to be finalised with the submission of a comprehensive assessment report to Guyana, accompanied by a ‘Letter of Commitment’ acknowledging Guyana’s participation in the OSS arrangement and its obligation to maintain the highest standards of aviation security measures,” it continued.

New and emerging security threats pose challenges to civil aviation systems globally, affecting the ease of travel.

These measures are often necessary to ensure that states, airline operators, and the traveling public comply with strict safety and security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The ease of travel and a hassle-free passenger experience are now best facilitated through mechanisms such as the OSS arrangement, which Panama has considered and begun implementing at Tocumen International Airport.