Airside Pass

From digital identity verification to full compliance reporting.

Our dedicated vetting officers support each candidate through every stage of their airside pass screening.

Enquire nowSign up

Our Airside Pass Screening service includes:

  • Identity verification of name, date of birth & address
  • Verification of Right to Work in the UK
  • Basic criminal record disclosure
  • Education checks as necessary
  • Employment/self-employment/unemployment checks for the past 5 years
  • Confirmation of National Insurance number
  • Independent verification of employment history gaps exceeding 31 days
  • Character references as required
  • Airport tailored vetting

What is Airside Pass Screening?

Airside pass screening is the mandatory background-check process required for anyone needing unescorted access to restricted airport areas, including aircraft stands, baggage handling zones, maintenance areas, secure operations facilities and other controlled airside environments. The process forms a crucial part of UK aviation security and ensures that individuals working in sensitive airport locations have been thoroughly vetted before being granted access rights.

Airside screening must be completed to strict standards set by UK airports and is overseen in line with the requirements of the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990. Each airport’s ID Centre has its own pass-application rules and employers must work with an Authorised Signatory who confirms that screening has been completed correctly. At Security & Vetting Solutions, we manage the entire process end to end, ensuring every application is accurate, compliant and fully aligned with BAA requirements and the procedures used across all major UK airports.

Common roles for Airside Pass Screening

Airside pass screening is required across a wide range of airport locations and job functions including:
  • Aircraft turnaround & ramp operations
  • Baggage & logistics handling
  • Airport engineering & maintenance
  • Aviation catering & supplies
  • Airside retail & hospitality
  • Airside contractors & project teams
  • Any environment requiring unescorted airside access
An air hostess is stood in front of a plane smiling.

Secure your workforce with Airside Pass screening

Ensure your workforce meets the mandatory background-check process required for anyone needing unescorted access to restricted airport areas. Our team can guide you through the process, answer any questions and help you choose the correct level of screening for your roles.

Start Screening

Our Airside Pass Screening service

Airside Pass screening is essential not only for compliance but also for operational continuity. Incomplete or incorrect applications can lead to costly delays, failed pass applications or a candidate being refused access altogether, disrupting staffing plans in critical airport roles. A structured screening process protects your organisation against these risks, ensuring each individual is appropriately vetted before they enter secure areas.

Our comprehensive approach gives you clarity, speed and full compliance. Every candidate receives support throughout the process, with regular progress updates, documentation guidance and assistance in resolving complex referencing or background issues. Once screening is complete, we provide a certificate of screening and written confirmation of compliance, with audit-ready evidence for your personnel records and any audit purposes.

Whether you are onboarding large teams, preparing contractors for upcoming airport projects or supporting new hires in operational roles, our Airside Pass screening service delivers accuracy, reassurance and reliability needed to maintain secure and compliant airport operations.

A barrier with security written across it in an airport.

What our experts say about this service

“Airside Pass screening demands absolute precision, and that’s exactly where we excel. We make sure every application meets the strict standards across the aviation industry while keeping the process smooth and stress-free for both employers and applicants. What really sets us apart is our ability to tailor the service; our airside pass screening meets BAA requirements as well as other UK airport procedures, and we adapt our approach to the specific needs of each airport. That flexibility means we can support clients no matter where they operate.”

Sian, Client Service Specialist

Speak to an expert

SVS's client service specialist Sian in front of a DBS sign.

Why choose Airside Pass Screening?

Airside Pass checks help to confirm an individual’s reliability, integrity and suitability for work in high-security environments, where any lapse could present operational or safety risks. As part of our service, we guide both employers and candidates through the airport vetting process to reduce delays and administrative complexity. We support candidates with secure digital identity verification to reduce the risk of fraudulent documents and ensure their background history is presented clearly and accurately. We have extensive experience working with airports nationwide, we adapt our approach to match the exact requirements of each location, ensuring that nothing is missed and every document meets the airport’s standards.

A pilot ready to take off the plan sat in his seat.

Start your Airside Pass Screening today

Ready to secure your hiring process? Whether you need comprehensive criminal history searches, employment verification or tailored screening solutions, our expert team is here to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Fill out the form below s and one of our dedicated compliance specialists will reach out with a personalised solution.

"*" indicates required fields

Best time to call
I’d like more information regarding

Our Airside Pass Screening Process

Step 1

Submit candidate details & required documentation

We collect the candidate’s identity documentation, Right to Work evidence, NI number, full five-year background history and details of any employment gaps. Your vetting officer confirms airport-specific requirements to ensure the application meets the correct ID Centre standard from day one.

Step 2

Full Airside Pass Screening completed by SVS

We complete all required checks, including employment verification, gap clarification, NI confirmation, DBS checks, character references (if required) and airport-specific vetting. You receive regular updates and early alerts to prevent pass delays or rejections.

Step 3

Results, certificate & audit-ready evidence pack

Once screening is complete, we issue a certificate of screening, written confirmation of compliance and an audit-ready evidence pack. We support you through the airport ID Centre submission to help ensure smooth approval and prevent costly delays.

Two airport staff checking a boarding pass.

Aviation Screening

For more information on Aviation screening

Visit our Aviation screening sector page to learn how we streamline compliance and screening.

Aviation

What our clients say

Why choose SVS Security & Vetting Solutions?

Fast Turnaround

We understand the importance of keeping recruitment and operational timelines on track. Our efficient systems, dedicated Vetting Officers, and streamlined digital processes enable us to deliver fast, reliable screening results without compromising on accuracy or compliance.

Dedicated Vetting Officer

Your candidates’ dedicated Vetting Officer tracks each application closely, providing regular updates and flagging any issues early. You’re kept informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and predictable screening process.

Industry Expertise

With deep knowledge of regulated industry screening, we tailor our processes to meet the unique compliance standards of each sector, ensuring every check is completed efficiently, accurately, and in line with relevant regulations.

Airside Pass Screening FAQs

Can digital identity verification and Right to Work be used with this service?

Yes. Our Digital Identity Verification and Right to Work checks can be fully integrated with Airside Pass screening, reducing the administrative burden of checking documents in person and lowering the risk of fraudulent identity or Right to Work evidence.

Can you get an Airside Pass with a criminal record?

It depends on the nature and recency of the offence. Unspent criminal convictions may affect eligibility. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by the airport ID unit following a risk assessment.

How long does Airside Pass screening take?

Screening time can vary depending on how quickly candidates supply documentation and how fast third-party references respond. Typically, most checks are completed within 2–5 weeks.

Who issues an airport Airside Pass?

Airside passes are issued by the airport’s ID Centre, but applications must be submitted through the employer and signed off by an Airport Authorised Signatory once screening is complete.

Looking for Digital Identity Verification?

Digital Identity Verification fee from £6.50 per check (ex VAT)

Our fast, secure ID, address and Right to Work confirmation is completed directly by the candidate, reducing delays and protecting against fraudulent documentation.

Digital Identity Verification

Trusted by