- IATA called for clearer rules on refused passengers.
- The report surveyed 49 airlines and 22 border authorities.
- Average costs ranged from around $4,000 (€3,400) in North Asia to $14,000 (€11,900) in Europe.
- 40 of 49 airlines reported authorities did not disclose reasons for refusal.
- Airlines reported paying costs that should have been borne by governments in more than 90pc of cases.
Nick Careen shared “Despite document checks by airlines, some travelers are refused entry at their destination. This can result in airlines bearing significant costs, including fines.”
IATA has called for a fairer balance of responsibility and costs between governments and airlines when passengers are refused entry on arrival. The report based on a survey of 49 airlines and 22 border authorities found that documentation and processing errors accounted for about 20pc to 30pc of inadmissible passenger cases. 40 of 49 airlines reported cases where immigration authorities did not disclose why a passenger had been refused entry.
Under ICAO rules airlines cover custody and care costs when passengers are refused entry because of improper documentation while governments cover costs for other reasons. Airlines reported paying at least some costs that should have been borne by governments in more than 90pc of cases. Average costs per passenger ranged from around $4,000 (€3,400) in North Asia to $14,000 (€11,900) in Europe.
One survey participant noted a charge of nearly €60,000 for care while an inadmissible passenger was in government custody awaiting cooperation from an embassy. IATA called for governments to clarify responsibility, make penalties proportionate, improve transparency and strengthen prevention through interactive Advance Passenger Information and digital verification. IATA also called for improved coordination on removals.
