African countries yet to implement advanced airline passenger name record and information systems

African states are yet to implement vital airline passenger data system requirements.

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

Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record 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.

It is essential, however, that African States implementing Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) do so in alignment with internationally agreed standards, supported by clear legal and operational frameworks.

These include:

Legality: 

Establish a clear legal framework aligned with international API and PNR standards, including applicable bilateral or regional agreements. It should define the required data and designate a single responsible authority.

Proportionality: 

Collect only data necessary for the intended purpose, in line with Guidelines on Advance Passenger Information adopted by the World Customs Organization, IATA, ICAO and ICAO Guidelines on Passenger Name Record Data.

Data should be retained for a defined period and risk assessment measures should include safeguards against discrimination.

Purpose: 

Usecollected information only for legitimate reasons such as border control, security, law enforcement, and prevention of serious crimes.

Consistency and Accuracy: 

Follow harmonized global formats for data collection, and store and transfer data securely.

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

The International Civil Aviation Organization’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.

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

“We support the implementation of Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record data transfer and recognize the important role passenger data plays in keeping borders secure. However, these systems must be aligned around internationally recognized standards and funded correctly,” said air transport organizations’ officials.

“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,” said Abdérahmane Berthé, Secretary General ofAFRAA, Aaron Munetsi, CEO ofAASA, and Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and Middle East in a joint statement.