Streamlined security procedures improving connectivity across the Americas 

Air travellers in Central and South America are experiencing faster airport security, fewer lines, and more seamless journeys, thanks to a quiet revolution underway at some of the region’s busiest airports. The catalyst: ICAO’s One-Stop Security project, implemented by national authorities between 2022 and 2025 with support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the bottom of this page, we’ve shared ICAO’s guidance on the Recognition of Equivalence of Security Measures (One Stop Security), which provides practical considerations to help States evaluate and implement OSS arrangements. The OSS initiative  allows passengers and their baggage, once screened and cleared at one airport, to transfer through subsequent airports without undergoing redundant security checks, as long as those airports have mutual recognition agreements in place. 

This project focused on delivering targeted technical workshops for airport officials, developing a comprehensive OSS Toolkit, including a model agreement, standardized security equivalence checklists, and improved notification forms. New security processes were piloted at major airports in Bogotá (El Dorado) and Lima (Jorge Chávez), with ICAO helping partner countries streamline their security systems from the ground up. 

The practical changes produced results quickly. Panama restructured security programmes to fully align with ICAO Annex 17 – Aviation Security, while Brazil renewed its OSS coordination with the United States through new frameworks introduced in 2025. Across the board, security officers now report less duplication, reduced delays, and more efficient use of resources. These improvements benefit both travelers and frontline staff, all while maintaining rigorous security standards. 

These advances are part of a larger story. ICAO’s hands-on support and capacity building  activities are helping countries develop more efficient and resilient aviation systems worldwide. The OSS project in the Americas offers is one of many compelling examples of how shared international cooperation through ICAO delivers shared benefits for all. 

As travelers across the Americas are already discovering, ICAO capacity building is delivering real, measurable steps toward a safer, cleaner, and more connected future for global aviation. By working together, we can ensure steady, inclusive progress each year toward the international community’s shared goals for air transport.