It was recently announced on April 8 by the UK Government’s latest new Border Force measures and fines of up to £10,000 intended to bolster security in general aviation space.
Latest Border Force Measures to Strengthen Security in General Aviation
New obligations and measures related to border security have been implemented for pilots, owners, and operators of private aircraft, and they will now be requested to provide advance passenger information online to the Border Force. The passenger information must be uploaded before departure to or from the United Kingdom. According to the UK GOV, anyone violating the law by not submitting passenger information online up to two hours before the flight will be accountable for fines of up to £10,000.
Before, advanced passenger information was consistently submitted by email and fax, among other manual practices. Furthermore, it is important to recognise that the new laws of online-only passenger submissions are important for improving security checks and helping the Border Force and the police to identify present risks, leading to necessary and influential security decisions.
Another important aspect and measure enforced to strengthen border security mentioned by GOV UK was the reduction of approved airfields. Since January 1, 2024, the number of approved airfields has decreased by 84%. Fewer airports allow entry and exit for international general aviation flights, mainly non-commercial aircraft or private jets.
Tom Pursglove, Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, explained the role of the implemented measures as part of a broader work to help strengthen security in the general aviation space while keeping borders secure to counter-terrorism to prevent and detect crime and for immigration purposes.
Keeping our borders safe and secure is one of my top priorities.
These new regulations, effective from April 6, aim to strengthen our border security further by making it easier for the Border Force and the police to perform robust security checks on people who fly to and from the UK on private or unscheduled general aviation flights.
Improving border security is extremely important, and from now all scheduled airlines and general aviation flights arriving in the United Kingdom have an obligation to present information related to flight and passengers.
Border Force had developed the service to submit a General Aviation Report to provide advance passenger information.
What are your thoughts about the latest Border Force measures to strengthen border security? Please share with us in the comments below!
