The International Air Transport Association (IATA), African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) have warned Nigeria and other African governments against imposing charges on airlines and passengers to fund Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems.
The three major aviation bodies said while they supported the implementation of API and PNR systems across Africa to strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate travel, the programmes should be funded by governments, noting that border security is fundamentally a state responsibility.
In a joint statement, the organisations urged African states implementing the systems to ensure compliance with standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other internationally recognised best practices.
The joint statement was signed by Secretary General of AFRAA, Abdérahmane Berthé; Chief Executive Officer of AASA, Aaron Munetsi and IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and Middle East and Kamil Alawadhi.
API and PNR systems enable governments to receive passenger information before travel, allowing authorities to strengthen border controls, support law-enforcement activities and improve the facilitation of legitimate travellers.
However, IATA, AFRAA and AASA cautioned that poorly-designed or inconsistently implemented systems could increase the cost and complexity of air travel across the continent.
They opposed the use of airline and passenger charges to finance national API and PNR border-security programmes.
According to the associations, the ICAO Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services (Doc 9082) establish that border security was a government responsibility, with the associated costs, including those arising from API and PNR programmes, to be borne by governments rather than airlines or passengers.
The organisations warned that transferring such costs to the aviation industry would increase the cost of air travel, undermine connectivity and potentially reduce the economic benefits generated by aviation through tourism, trade and investment.
The associations said African governments should instead establish clear legal and operational frameworks before implementing API and PNR systems.
They identified four key principles that should guide the implementation of the systems across the continent – legality, proportionality, purpose and consistency and accuracy.
On legality, they said governments should establish clear legal frameworks aligned with international API and PNR standards, including applicable bilateral and regional agreements.
The associations also stressed the need for proportionality, saying governments should collect only information that is necessary for the stated purpose.
Passenger information, they said, should be retained only for a defined period, while risk-assessment procedures must contain safeguards against discrimination.
On purpose limitation, the organisations said information collected through API and PNR systems should be used strictly for legitimate objectives, including border control, security, law enforcement and the prevention of serious crimes.
They further called for consistency and accuracy in the collection and handling of passenger data, with governments adopting harmonised global formats and ensuring that information is securely stored and transferred.
The statement said: “We support the implementation of Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record data transfer and recognise the important role passenger data plays in keeping borders secure. However, these systems must be aligned around internationally recognised standards and funded correctly.
“A consistent approach, with governments and industry working together, improves security outcomes, makes travel more seamless, safeguards personal data, and avoids unnecessary costs and complexity.
“As Africa continues to strengthen 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 programs that enhance security while enabling safe, efficient, and affordable air transport.”
