Representatives from Turkmenistan strengthen knowledge of Advance Passenger Information and passenger data systems during OSCE-facilitated field visit in Türkiye

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department, jointly with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, organized a field visit to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport and Istanbul International Airport, Türkiye, from 7 to 8 October for representatives of law enforcement, security and migration authorities of Turkmenistan. The visit aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge of the development and operation of passenger data systems for the processing of Advance Passenger Information.

The visit provided participants with practical insights into Türkiye’s passenger data architecture, which combines centralized co-ordination and passenger data processing with a decentralized, airport-based network of specialized operational units. Participants highlighted how clearly defined responsibilities, effective information-sharing and co-ordination between central and regional structures can support passenger risk assessment and addressing cross-border crime in a complex aviation environment.

During the two-day visit, participants met with representatives of the Passenger Targeting/Anti-Smuggling Specialized Units operating under the Department of Analysis and Targeting of the Directorate General of Customs Enforcement of Türkiye. The visits enabled participants to observe how passenger information is used in practice across different airport environments to identify potential risks while facilitating the movement of bona fide travellers, and how regional units co-operate with central structures and other relevant authorities. 

“Visiting two major international airports provided us with a valuable opportunity to observe how Türkiye’s passenger data system operates in different settings. We particularly appreciated the insights into how central co-ordination and airport-level operations work together, and the practical lessons we can draw from this experience to further develop Turkmenistan’s own passenger data capabilities,” a participant noted.

Participants also received first-hand information on Türkiye’s in-house passenger data processing and analysis system and the role of its regional Passenger Targeting/Anti-Smuggling Specialized Units. They learned about operational procedures, information flows, risk analysis, data quality, analytical tools and interagency co-operation. Participants further discussed key requirements for effective passenger data systems, including appropriate legal frameworks, trained personnel, ICT infrastructure, clearly defined procedures and relevant human rights and data-protection safeguards.

The study visit was organized within the framework of the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Promotion of Information Exchange and Support to the Establishment of Advance Passenger Information Systems in the OSCE Area – Phase II” and the project “Assisting Turkmenistan to Integrate Advance Passenger Information System”, jointly implemented by the Government of Turkmenistan and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.