Airlines must file outbound passenger data in single format

The government has asked airlines to submit details of passengers on a flight taking off from India only in a "flat file" format to the Customs department.

Generally, a flat file provides easier access to data among computer systems.

The directive, effective May 15, means airlines have to furnish such information only in the said format and not in the one as prescribed by the UN.

As of now, carriers have the option to file manifests for outbound passengers in the United Nations/Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport Passenger List Advance Passenger Information (UN/EDIFACT PAXLST API) message format.

This particular template is used globally.

The decision has been taken following consultations and tests that were carried out "in respect of electronic transmission" with some of the carriers and their respective service providers. pti