From Presence to Influence: Strengthening Women’s Impact in Airport Security

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through its Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) and the Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP VI), funded by the European Union under the EU Global Threats Programme, supports law enforcement authorities at international airports across Latin America, West and Central Africa and Asia to strengthen border security and counter illicit trafficking. 

Criminal networks increasingly exploit air transport routes to traffic illicit drugs, wildlife products, counterfeit goods, weapons, cash and other illicit commodities. In response, AIRCOP supports the establishment and strengthening of inter-agency airport units, bringing together customs, police, immigration and other relevant authorities to improve risk analysis, intelligence-sharing and operational coordination. 

Through specialised training, mentoring, secure communication tools and international cooperation mechanisms, AIRCOP enhances the capacities of frontline officers to identify high-risk passengers, cargo and mail consignments, contributing to safer and more secure travel and trade. The project also strengthens cooperation between airports across regions, enabling law enforcement agencies to exchange operational information and respond more effectively to transnational organised crime. 

As part of this broader effort, AIRCOP also promotes greater participation and leadership of women in airport security. Women currently represent 30 per cent of officers and 32 per cent of team leaders within PCCP-supported airport units in West and Central Africa. Through regional exchanges, workshops and peer networks, women officers are supported in strengthening technical expertise, leadership skills and professional cooperation, helping to foster more inclusive and effective border security environments. 

About AIRCOP VI

AIRCOP VI is implemented under the EU Global Threats programme, funded by the European Union. 

Implemented by the UNODC Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP), the World Customs Organization (WCO) and INTERPOL, AIRCOP aims to strengthen the capacities of international airports to detect and intercept drugs, other illicit goods and high-risk passengers and to share real-time operational information between origin, transit and destination countries to disrupt cross-border illicit flows and criminal networks. 

To learn more, download the project factsheet.