The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have called on African governments to implement Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards — while insisting that the financing of these programmes must be borne by states, not passed on to airlines or passengers through additional charges.
According to a press release cited by Forbes Africa Lusófona, the three organisations warn that transferring these costs to carriers or travellers would raise the price of air travel, reduce regional connectivity and undermine the economic benefits of aviation, particularly for tourism, trade and investment.
API and PNR systems allow authorities to receive passenger information ahead of travel, strengthening border security, supporting criminal investigations and facilitating the movement of passengers deemed low-risk. The associations stress, however, that their implementation must comply with clear international standards while ensuring the protection of personal data and regulatory predictability.
In this context, the organisations argue that states should adopt a legal framework harmonised with international standards, defining with precision the information to be collected and designating a single authority responsible for managing the system.
The organisations also recommend adherence to the principle of proportionality, limiting data collection strictly to what is necessary for security and border control objectives. Data should be retained only for the legally stipulated period, and safeguards must be in place to prevent any form of discrimination in the assessment of passengers.
Another principle considered essential is a clear definition of the purpose for which collected information may be used — exclusively for border control, security, law enforcement and the prevention of serious crime.
The bodies further advocate that the collection, storage and transmission of information follow internationally harmonised formats, ensuring high security standards and interoperability across different systems.
In a joint position statement, the associations recalled that ICAO policies on airport charges and air navigation services (Doc 9082) establish that border security is an exclusive responsibility of governments. On that basis, they argue that API and PNR programmes must be funded by the relevant states, rather than through the imposition of additional charges on airlines or passengers.
“API and PNR systems allow authorities to receive information about passengers before travel takes place, strengthening border security, supporting criminal investigation authorities and facilitating the movement of passengers deemed low-risk,” the statement reads.
“We support the implementation of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems and recognise the fundamental role they play in border security. However, these systems must adhere to internationally recognised standards and be adequately funded. A coordinated approach between governments and industry enhances security, facilitates travel, protects personal data and avoids unnecessary costs and complexities,” said Abdérahmane Berthé, Secretary-General of AFRAA, Aaron Munetsi, CEO of AASA, and Kamil Alawadhi, IATA Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, in a joint statement.
The three organisations added that they will continue to work with governments, regional institutions and international partners to support the implementation of these systems across Africa, with the goal of strengthening security and promoting air transport that is safer, more efficient and more accessible.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/08/04/mundo/africa/africa-organizacoes-da-aviacao-apelam-aos-governos-a-assumir-custos-dos-sistemas-api-e-pnr/
