By Benson Daniel
African airlines and major aviation industry associations have rejected attempts by governments to impose charges on airlines and passengers for Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems, arguing that the cost of border security should be borne by governments.
The industry supports the deployment of API and PNR systems as important tools for strengthening border control, improving passenger screening and enhancing aviation security. However, it has raised concerns over the growing financial burden being placed on airlines and travellers through additional charges.
The African Airlines Association, Airlines Association of Southern Africa and International Air Transport Association said the systems should be implemented in line with international standards and in a manner that does not undermine air connectivity or make travel more expensive.
API systems allow governments to receive passenger information before travellers arrive at a destination, while PNR systems provide additional booking and itinerary information that can assist authorities with risk assessment and border management.
The aviation industry argues that these systems primarily serve government border security functions and should therefore not become another source of financial pressure on airlines.
According to industry representatives, imposing additional API and PNR fees could increase the cost of air travel at a time when African airlines are already facing high operating expenses, including fuel, maintenance, airport charges and other regulatory costs.
The associations have pointed to international aviation charging principles, which recognise border security as a government responsibility. They argue that airlines should not be required to finance government security programmes through passenger or carrier charges.
The issue is particularly significant for Africa, where the cost of air travel remains a major barrier to regional connectivity. High ticket prices can discourage tourism, business travel and trade while making it more difficult for African airlines to expand their networks.
The industry has also raised concerns about differences in API and PNR charges across African countries. Some markets have introduced charges significantly higher than international norms, creating additional costs for airlines operating across multiple jurisdictions.
The International Air Transport Association previously identified Tanzania’s API and PNR charge of $45 one way as the highest globally, while noting that charges in countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo also exceed global norms.
Stakeholders are therefore calling for greater coordination among African governments to ensure that passenger data systems are developed using common standards and reasonable cost structures.
They also want governments to consult airlines before introducing new systems or negotiating contracts with technology providers. Such consultations, they argue, could help prevent duplication, improve efficiency and ensure that charges reflect the actual cost of providing the service.
For African airlines, reducing unnecessary charges is increasingly important as carriers seek to improve their competitiveness and expand intra African connectivity.
The industry has maintained that better connectivity can generate wider economic benefits by supporting tourism, trade, investment and employment.
A coordinated approach to API and PNR implementation could also make it easier for airlines to comply with different countries’ requirements without having to deal with fragmented systems and multiple financial obligations.
For governments, however, the challenge is to balance the need for stronger border security with the economic importance of affordable air transport.
The aviation sector is urging authorities to focus on efficient implementation rather than using passenger data systems as additional revenue generating mechanisms.
As African countries continue to strengthen aviation security and modernise border management, the industry believes that API and PNR systems should improve security without placing additional pressure on airlines and passengers.
The debate ultimately reflects a wider challenge facing African aviation: how to strengthen regulation and security while keeping the cost of air travel competitive enough to support greater movement of people, goods and investment across the continent.
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