The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on governments to adopt a fairer approach to handling passengers refused entry at international destinations, urging clearer responsibility and more balanced cost-sharing between airlines and national authorities. The association says airlines play an important role in preventing inadmissible passenger cases by checking travel documents before departure, but some entry refusals occur for reasons beyond their reasonable control.
Passengers may be denied entry because of complex document fraud, changing migration patterns, incomplete information or immigration and security decisions made by government authorities. Under international rules established through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), airlines are responsible for custody and care costs when passengers are refused entry because of improper documentation. However, IATA says airlines often face unclear explanations and costs even when the reasons for refusal are outside their responsibility.
IATA Highlights Lack of Transparency in Entry Refusals
A newly released IATA report highlights gaps in communication between immigration authorities and airlines, particularly when passengers are refused entry. The association says airlines do not always receive clear explanations for these decisions, making it difficult to identify the reasons behind individual cases and prevent similar situations in the future.
The report, based on a survey of 49 airlines and 22 border authorities, found that 40 airlines had experienced cases in which immigration authorities did not disclose why passengers were refused entry. Although documentation and processing errors accounted for approximately 20–30% of inadmissible passenger cases, airlines said they frequently lacked sufficient information to understand the decisions.
Airlines Face Significant Financial and Operational Costs
The report found that airlines paid at least some costs that should have been covered by governments in more than 90% of reported cases. Under ICAO rules, airlines generally cover custody and care expenses when entry refusals result from improper documentation, while governments are responsible for such costs when refusals occur for other reasons. The financial burden can be substantial, with average costs per inadmissible passenger ranging from approximately US$4,000 in North Asia to US$14,000 in Europe.
One airline survey participant reported being charged nearly EUR 60,000 for six months of care while a passenger remained in government custody awaiting cooperation from the relevant embassy. Beyond financial penalties, inadmissible passenger cases can create operational difficulties for airlines. All surveyed airlines reported experiencing delays associated with these cases, including flight disruptions, rebooking requirements, aircraft and crew scheduling issues, escort arrangements and lengthy coordination with immigration authorities.
IATA Calls for Clearer Rules and Better Coordination
IATA is urging governments to distinguish between cases caused by airline errors and those resulting from circumstances beyond an airline’s reasonable control. It also wants penalties and related expenses to be proportionate to the level of responsibility, due diligence and specific reasons behind each entry refusal.
The association has also called for greater transparency, including timely explanations from immigration authorities within applicable legal limits. It recommends stronger use of Interactive Advance Passenger Information (iAPI), digital document verification, Immigration Liaison Officer support and real-time communication channels to identify potential entry problems before passengers begin their journeys.
Better Cooperation Needed for Smoother International Travel
According to Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, airlines are prepared to accept responsibility when inadmissible passenger cases result from their own mistakes. However, he argued that carriers should not face large or open-ended expenses when entry refusals arise from decisions or circumstances outside their control.
Careen said governments and airlines share the objective of maintaining secure borders while ensuring smooth international travel. He emphasised that early verification, better information-sharing, digital tools and consistent application of international standards could help prevent entry problems and establish a fairer division of responsibilities when cases occur.
