Accra: The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have issued a call to action for African governments to align their Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems with international standards and best practices.
According to Ghana Web, these aviation organizations emphasized the importance of passenger data systems in strengthening border security, aiding law enforcement, and facilitating the smooth movement of legitimate travelers. They highlighted the necessity for proper legal and operational frameworks to support these systems effectively.
In a joint statement released on July 30, 2026, the associations stressed that governments must ensure API and PNR programs adhere to key principles such as legality, proportionality, purpose limitation, consistency, and data security. They urged nations to establish clear legal frameworks that define necessary data, identify responsible authorities, and ensure compliance with international standards set by entities like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Furthermore, the aviation groups cautioned against the excessive collection of passenger data, advising governments to gather only what is essential for legitimate purposes such as border control, security, and crime prevention. They referenced guidelines from the World Customs Organization/IATA/ICAO and ICAO for collecting only necessary data.
The organizations also called for safeguards to prevent discrimination in the use of passenger data and emphasized the need for secure data storage and transfer. They opposed plans by some governments to finance API and PNR programs through fees imposed on airlines and passengers, arguing that border security is a governmental responsibility and related costs should not be transferred to travelers or carriers.
They warned that such fees would increase the cost of travel, undermine connectivity, and weaken the economic benefits of aviation through tourism, trade, and investment. Abd©rahmane Berth©, Secretary General of AFRAA; Aaron Munetsi, CEO of AASA; and Kamil Alawadhi, IATA's Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, advocated for a coordinated approach to improve security while maintaining affordable air travel.
The organizations conveyed their commitment to working with African governments, regional institutions, and international partners to support passenger data systems that enhance security while promoting safe and efficient air transport across the continent.