IATA, AFRAA, AASA oppose airline charges for border security

By Dickson Omobola

African Airlines Association, AFRAA, the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, AASA, and the International Air Transport Association, IATA, have urged African countries to implement the Advance Passenger Information, API, and Passenger Name Record, PNR, systems in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, standards and global best practices.

API and PNR systems provide governments with passenger information ahead of travel, helping to strengthen border security, support law enforcement efforts and facilitate the movement of legitimate travelers.

The organisations also urged governments not to fund API and PNR national border security programmes through charges imposed on airlines and/or passengers.

According to them, ICAO’s Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services (Doc 9082) make clear that border security is a government responsibility and that related costs, including those associated with API and PNR programs, should be funded by governments rather than airlines or passengers.

They said imposing API and PNR fees on airlines to fund government border security programmes increases the cost of travel, undermines connectivity and weakens the economic benefits that aviation generates through tourism, trade and investment.

Secretary General of AFRAA, Abdérahmane Berthé; CEO of AASA, Aaron Munetsi; IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, in a joint 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 programmes that enhance security while enabling safe, efficient and affordable air transport.”