The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) have urged African governments not to finance national border security programmes by imposing charges on airlines or passengers, warning that such fees would increase the cost of air travel and undermine the growth of the aviation sector.
The three aviation bodies made the call in a joint statement while urging African countries to implement Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems in line with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and global best practices.
API and PNR systems enable governments to receive passenger information before travel, helping to strengthen border security, support law enforcement and facilitate the movement of legitimate travellers. However, the organisations stressed that such systems should be introduced within clear legal and operational frameworks that comply with internationally recognised standards.
The associations said governments should establish legal frameworks aligned with international API and PNR standards, collect only data necessary for legitimate security and border control purposes, and ensure secure handling and storage of passenger information with safeguards against discrimination and misuse.
They argued that the cost of implementing national border security programmes should be borne by governments rather than transferred to airlines or passengers through additional levies.
According to the organisations, ICAO’s Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services (Doc 9082) clearly state that border security is a government responsibility and that related costs, including those associated with API and PNR programmes, should be funded by governments.
The bodies warned that imposing API and PNR charges on airlines would increase the cost of travel, weaken air connectivity and diminish the economic benefits aviation generates through tourism, trade and investment across Africa.
In a 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 their support for the implementation of passenger data systems while calling for closer collaboration between governments and the aviation industry.
“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,” the three officials said.
They added that a harmonised approach would improve security outcomes, make travel more seamless, protect passengers’ personal data and avoid unnecessary costs and operational complexity.
The aviation bodies also pledged to continue working with African governments, regional institutions and international partners to support the implementation of passenger data programmes that enhance border security while promoting safe, efficient and affordable air transport across the continent.
