African aviation industry lobby groups have urged governments across the continent, including Kenya, to align their passenger data collection systems with international standards.
They warn that fragmented rules and new airline charges could increase travel costs and undermine efforts to boost air connectivity.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), headquartered in Nairobi, the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said African countries should implement Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems.
This is in accordance with standards developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The industry groups said properly implemented API and PNR systems enhance border security by allowing governments to receive passenger information before departure, helping authorities identify security threats while facilitating the movement of legitimate travellers.
However, they cautioned that several African countries are adopting different legal and operational approaches, creating unnecessary compliance burdens for airlines operating across multiple jurisdictions.
For Kenya, which is positioning itself as East Africa's aviation hub through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the expansion of regional air links, harmonised passenger data systems could improve security while supporting tourism, trade and investment.
AFRAA noted that African airlines stand to benefit from common standards that reduce administrative costs and improve operational efficiency.
The associations said governments should establish clear legal frameworks that define the type of passenger data to be collected and designate a single competent authority responsible for managing the information.
They also called for proportionality in data collection, saying governments should request only information necessary for border control, law enforcement and the prevention of serious crimes, while ensuring safeguards against discrimination and protecting passengers' personal data.
The organisations further urged African states to adopt harmonised global formats for transmitting passenger information and ensure secure storage and transfer of the data.
A major concern raised by the industry is the growing tendency by some governments to finance API and PNR programmes through charges imposed on airlines or passengers.
The groups argue that such fees contradict ICAO policy, which considers border security a government responsibility that should be financed through public funds rather than aviation charges.
According to the industry, shifting the cost of government security programmes to airlines ultimately raises ticket prices, making air travel less affordable and weakening the sector's contribution to economic growth.
Higher operating costs, they warned, could reduce connectivity, discourage tourism, slow trade and make African carriers less competitive.
"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," AFRAA secretary general Abdérahmane Berthé, AASA chief executive Aaron Munetsi and IATA regional vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, said in a joint statement.
"However, these systems must be aligned around internationally recognised standards and funded correctly. 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."
The three organisations said collaboration between governments, airlines and regional institutions would be critical as Africa seeks to deepen aviation integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Kenya has increasingly positioned itself as a regional aviation gateway, with JKIA serving as a major hub for passenger and cargo traffic into East and Central Africa.
Harmonised passenger data systems hence, could strengthen the country's role by facilitating faster border clearance, improving security and enhancing the travel experience for international visitors.
The appeal comes as African governments invest in modernising border management systems to address growing security concerns while supporting increased passenger traffic driven by tourism, business travel and intra-African trade.
The associations maintained that adopting internationally recognised API and PNR standards would help African states achieve these objectives without imposing additional costs on airlines and travellers, preserving aviation's role as a catalyst for economic development across the continent.
