There has been some recent media coverage regarding aviation security for the 2010 Winter Games and the impact it will have in certain locations and air carriers, particularly at the Trail Regional Airport.

The Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit would like to address some of the incorrect information that has been repeated in several of the recent stories, and clarify other information.

Responsibility for aviation planning

The responsibility for aviation security planning is with the Federal Aviation Technical Working Group which is comprised of the following eight agencies:

  • The V2010 ISU (lead by the RCMP)
  • Transport Canada (TC)
  • Canadian Forces, Department of National Defence (CF - DND)
  • North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
  • NAV CANADA
  • Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)
  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

This group is responsible for developing an integrated plan for modifications to existing airspace, including safety and security requirements, and enhancements that will be implemented during the Games. The recommendations from this group must ultimately be approved by Transport Canada.

Neither the RCMP nor the V2010 ISU is developing the plans alone.

Period of air space restrictions vs. period of screening requirements

It has been reported that air space restrictions will be in place from January 29, 2010 to March 24, 2010 and cover both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is correct, but the essential piece of information which has not been generally reported is that the screening requirement that all passengers flying into the Olympic airspace be security screened are only in place for the period of January 29, 2010 to March 3, 2010.

There is no screening requirement during the Paralympic Games.

Planning approach

The working group – particularly members representing Transport Canada, CATSA and the ISU –have consulted with commercial and private operators, airport authorities and other industry stakeholders since 2005. The group also compiled and analyzed a great deal of information before making recommendations on where to put additional screening locations. Among the information analyzed was the number of flights in and out of the airports, the number of passengers served, the ability of the airport to physically accommodate the screening process and the distance/hardship for passengers and operators to go to alternate locations for screening.

After preliminary locations were selected, there was further consultation about which locations were preferred by the air carriers. It was only then, that the decision was made to add temporary screening in the following locations: Boundary Bay, Langley Regional, Nanaimo Harbour, Departure Bay(Nanaimo), Pemberton, Pitt Meadows, Port Hardy, Powell River, Squamish, Vancouver Harbour, Vancouver Harbour Public heliport, Vancouver International Airport — Fixed-base operations, floatplane, and heliport, Victoria Harbour, Victoria Harbour (Camel Point) — heliport, Whistler (Municipal).

Trail Regional Airport situation

It has been reported or suggested that the Trail Airport will be closed during the Olympic period. This information is false.

Discussions with the carrier in Trail to consider viable solutions have continued. One includes the use of Castlegar Airport, which currently has screening, and is a short distance from Trail. The air carrier could move operations or land and screen there. Screening can also be provided at Kelowna, Penticton and Abbotsford.

It is also important to note that these restrictions will not have any impact on flights going to the Trail Regional Airport. The screening requirement only applies to flights departing Trail and flying into the Olympic air space. That is one daily flight to Vancouver and a second flight Monday to Friday.

If the air carrier decides to not operate flights out of Trail during the period screening is required, it is completely its decision.

The air security restrictions are similar to those implemented internationally at other major events. Every effort is being made to ensure an appropriate level of security that also minimizes disruptions for operators and passengers during the Olympic Games.

If you would like to see more information on the proposed regulations visit: