A joint statement from African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), and International Air Transport Association (IATA) has pushed back against proposals that would require airlines and passengers to fund government-run Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems, emphasising that border security is ultimately a state obligation.
While fully endorsing the rollout of API and PNR across Africa, the three aviation bodies firmly maintain that national governments—not travellers or carriers—should bear the financial responsibility for these programmes. The position was formalised in a statement co-signed by AFRAA Secretary-General Abdérahmane Berthé, AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi, and IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi.
API and PNR systems allow authorities to receive passenger data prior to arrival or departure, supporting immigration control, law enforcement, security vetting, and threat assessment—all while helping streamline travel for legitimate passengers.
However, the aviation organisations cautioned that the security and efficiency gains could be compromised if countries develop fragmented systems, introduce conflicting requirements or impose additional financial obligations on airlines and passengers.
Airlines Reject New Charges
The three associations were particularly opposed to proposals to fund national API and PNR programmes through charges levied on airlines or passengers.
They cited the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services, contained in Doc 9082, which they said recognise border security as a government responsibility.
According to the aviation bodies, the costs of measures designed to protect national borders, including API and PNR programmes, should therefore be covered by governments.
They warned that transferring the costs to airlines and passengers could increase the price of air travel at a time when the sector is already facing significant operating pressures.
Higher charges, they argued, could discourage air travel, weaken connectivity between African countries and reduce the economic benefits generated by aviation, including tourism, trade and investment.
The groups said the implications could be particularly significant for Africa, where improving the affordability and accessibility of air transport remains an important part of efforts to strengthen regional connectivity.
Call for Common Standards
The associations also urged governments preparing to introduce API and PNR systems to establish clear legal and operational frameworks before implementation.
They called for national programmes to comply with ICAO standards and other internationally recognised practices, warning that inconsistent requirements across countries could create unnecessary complications for airlines operating international routes.
According to the associations, four key principles should guide the implementation of passenger-data systems: legality, proportionality, purpose limitation, and consistency and accuracy.
On legality, they said governments should enact clear laws governing the collection, processing, storage and transfer of passenger information. Such laws, they maintained, should be consistent with international API and PNR standards as well as applicable bilateral and regional agreements.
On proportionality, the organisations said authorities should limit the information collected to data genuinely required for the stated purpose.
They further stressed that passenger information should not be retained indefinitely. Data should be kept only for a clearly defined period, while risk-assessment procedures should include safeguards against discriminatory practices.
Data Use Must Be Restricted
The aviation bodies also called for strict limitations on the use of passenger information collected through API and PNR systems.
They said the data should be used only for legitimate purposes, including border control, national security, law enforcement and the prevention of serious crimes.
They further urged governments to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout the collection, processing, storage and transmission of passenger information.
According to the groups, adopting harmonised global data formats would reduce errors and inconsistencies while making it easier for airlines and governments to exchange information securely.
Strong safeguards for personal data, they added, would also be essential to protect passengers' privacy and maintain confidence in the systems.
‘Security Without Unnecessary Costs’
The associations stressed that their opposition was not directed at passenger-data systems themselves, but at implementation models that could create additional costs, inconsistent requirements and operational difficulties for airlines and travellers.
“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 organisations said.
They argued that greater coordination between governments and the aviation industry would strengthen security while avoiding unnecessary complications for passengers and airlines.
“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,” they added.
The associations' position places the focus on governments to balance stronger border controls with the need to maintain affordable, efficient and well-connected air transport across Africa.