AFRAA, AASA, IATA Urge African States to Adopt ICAO-Compliant Passenger Data Systems
The African Airlines Association, the Airlines Association of Southern Africa and the International Air Transport Association have called on African governments to implement Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems in line with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, saying harmonised implementation is critical to strengthening border security while ensuring seamless travel across the continent.
In a joint statement, the three aviation bodies stressed that API and PNR systems enable governments to receive passenger information before travel, providing security agencies with valuable intelligence to strengthen border protection, support law enforcement operations and facilitate the movement of legitimate travellers.
However, they warned that the introduction of such systems must be guided by internationally recognised standards and backed by clear legal and operational frameworks to ensure they achieve their intended objectives without creating unnecessary burdens for airlines or passengers.
According to the organisations, African States planning to implement API and PNR programmes should first establish a robust legal framework that aligns with international standards governing passenger data.
Such a framework, they said, should clearly define the categories of information to be collected, identify the authority responsible for managing the data and, where necessary, be supported by bilateral or regional agreements.
The associations also emphasised that governments should apply the principle of proportionality by collecting only the passenger information required for legitimate security purposes.
They noted that data collection should comply with the World Customs Organization, IATA and ICAO Guidelines on Advance Passenger Information as well as ICAO’s Passenger Name Record guidelines.
They further advised that passenger information should be retained only for a clearly defined period, while risk assessment procedures must incorporate safeguards to prevent discrimination or misuse of personal data.
For the purpose of the systems, AFRAA, AASA and IATA maintained that passenger information should be used exclusively for legitimate government functions, including border control, national security, law enforcement and the prevention of serious crimes.
The organisations also underscored the need for consistency and accuracy in the management of passenger information. They urged governments to adopt harmonised global formats for data collection while ensuring that information is stored and transmitted through secure systems capable of protecting sensitive passenger data.
Beyond the technical requirements, the aviation bodies strongly opposed funding national API and PNR border security programmes through charges imposed on airlines or passengers.
They argued that such an approach would contradict ICAO’s Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services (Doc 9082), which clearly states that border security is a government responsibility and that associated costs, including those arising from API and PNR programmes, should be borne by governments rather than the aviation industry.
According to the organisations, imposing additional API and PNR fees on airlines would ultimately increase the cost of air travel, reduce connectivity and weaken aviation’s contribution to economic development through tourism, trade and investment.
The associations warned that higher operating costs could also discourage airlines from expanding services within Africa at a time when governments are seeking to improve regional air connectivity and support the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
In their joint statement, AFRAA Secretary General, Abdérahmane Berthé, AASA Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Munetsi, and IATA Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, reaffirmed the industry’s support for passenger data systems, provided they are implemented in accordance with internationally recognised standards.
The trio said they recognised the critical role that API and PNR data play in securing national borders, but stressed that successful implementation requires close cooperation between governments and the aviation industry.
They noted that adopting a harmonised approach would enhance security outcomes, simplify travel procedures, safeguard passengers’ personal information and eliminate unnecessary costs and operational complexities.
The aviation leaders added that as Africa continues to strengthen regional and international air connectivity, AFRAA, AASA and IATA remain committed to working with governments, regional institutions and international partners to support the successful implementation of passenger data programmes that improve security while enabling safe, efficient and affordable air transport across the continent.
