The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), grappling with its long-standing controversy surrounding the screening of travel passengers at transit hubs, proposes a one-stop security agreement with India to eliminate the need for rescreening passengers. 

One-Stop Security Explained

One-Stop Security (OSS) is a concept primarily designed to streamline the movement of transfer passengers and baggage to their final destinations by eliminating redundant security checks at the transfer airport.

It is the EU's regulatory framework that allows for the recognition of security standards in non-EU countries if they are deemed equivalent to EU standards. This recognition enables One Stop Security, meaning passengers, baggage, and/or cargo arriving into the EU from these countries do not need to undergo additional security controls when transferring at EU airports.

Similar arrangements have been established with the United States of America, Canada, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guernsey, Jersey, and Isle of Man, Mobility and Transport reported.

TSA Pact with India

TSA Administrator David Pekoske proposed the idea that passengers must undergo a one-stop security check upon arrival in the US before catching their domestic connection to eliminate the need for rescreening. With a one-stop agreement with the government of India and Delhi airport, there would be no need to rescreen passengers, and their checked bags would seamlessly transfer from one aircraft to another in nearly every circumstance, Pekoske explained in his address at the US-India aviation summit.

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Pekoske emphasized the power of this concept, highlighting that inbound flights to the US would be much more secure. If a reciprocal agreement is established, screening would meet Indian security standards and enhance the security of Indian flights as well. The Hindu Business Line reported that regular information exchange and continuous improvements in security procedures would also be put in place for such an agreement to succeed.

The proposed agreement aims to eliminate the requirement for rescreening, thereby decreasing wait times and enhancing airport efficiency and overall travel experience. 

Cost Reduction

Airports Council International proposed a similar one-stop security framework between the European Union and India last year. Europe has a One-Stop Security (OSS) agreement with Singapore, which enables passengers, along with their cabin and baggage originating from Singapore's Changi airport, to transfer onto connecting flights at EU (EEA) airports without needing to undergo security checks again, Transport Mobility reported. Implementing such a framework with India would result in reduced security costs by optimizing resource allocation and decreasing flight connection times.

In addition to proposing a one-stop security arrangement, Pekoske also suggested deploying a TSA representative in Delhi and establishing an agreement with India to exchange sensitive security information. 

Pekoske aims to harmonize standards for aviation security as a whole, grabbing India's ambition to expand its transportation capacity as a genuine opportunity between India and the United States to partner and harmonize.

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