The Hindu Business Line : UK-bound flights to have advance passenger information

Vital information
Official travel identity document (passport).
Official travel identity document number.
Surname and given names as per the identity document.
Nationality, date of birth and gender.

New Delhi , Aug. 25

The Immigration Authorities of the United Kingdom have mandated Advance Passenger Information System commonly known as APIS be introduced for flights going to the UK or leaving from the country from September 18. This means information such as passport number, passenger name, age and gender would be transmitted to the UK authorities in advance of the arrival of a flight there. While Jet Airways has informed the travel community about the latest development, a spokesman for Air India said more information would be available only on Friday.

Sources said the information was required for a variety of reasons including the fact that this would help border control agencies to be more vigilant to the threat posed by international terrorism especially after the incidents of September 11, 2001. Besides, the increase in passenger traffic and the lack of immigration counters and staff have also necessitated the move, officials of international airlines said.

The move comes shortly after British police foiled a plot to blow up aircraft in mid flight between Britain and the US.

Audit trail

"The Immigration Authorities will use online technology and advance passenger information provided by airlines before arrival to screen and record individuals as they enter and leave the UK, thereby providing a comprehensive passenger movement audit trail," the sources said.

However, if the advance passenger information is not provided at the time of reservations or ticketing, it can be entered at the time of check-in also. "In case it has been removed after check-in, the system will give a warning at the time of boarding. Flight will not be closed till this information is provided," an international airline official said.