EU move to collect fact files on air passengers

Published on Saturday 29 December 2007 20:53

PASSENGERS boarding flights within Europe – even on domestic UK routes – will have a wide range of personal details stored on a security database for more than a decade, under plans being drawn up by the EU's Justice Minister.

The controversial move by EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini would see 19 facts about each passenger kept on file for more than a decade and available to a range of agencies.

The Passenger Name Recording (PNR) information would even include details of requests made to change seats or how tickets were paid for.

Initially, if the plan is ratified, it is claimed only the 27 EU member states would get to view the details – which will be kept for 13 years – but civil liberty groups are convinced the US government would soon demand to be able to see them.

One security source said: "There is no question that once this material becomes available that Washington will want access to it."

Already, anyone flying to the States from the EU has their details entered into a security database for the US authorities, but critics believe Frattini's idea is an extension of that policy.

Last night, a spokesman for the EU said that while any firm decision was some time away, "it would be strange" if the UK did not sign up.

Among the information which will be stored are name and passport number, date of reservation, whether the passenger is a 'frequent flyer' or have been upgraded, payment details, seat number, baggage details, and previous history of any travel plan alterations.

Frattini's plan followed a string of terror attacks on European soil, the latest being the foiled bombing of Glasgow Airport on June 30.

Speaking last month, he said: "The commission thinks the time has come to change focus and devote resources to the security of the union. The union is, at least, as much a potential target of terrorist attack as the US and the use and analysis of passenger name records is an important law enforcement tool to protect our citizens."

But civil liberties watchdog Statewatch has condemned the move, saying it "raises serious doubts about the EU's respect for freedom of expression".

Jesus Carmona, an EU spokesman, said: "At this stage and taking into account that the commission proposal was just presented in November, it is difficult to predict what will be the final outcome for the legislation and therefore, if Britain will take part or not.

"However, and taking into account that this measure will facilitate obtaining information for police investigation purposes, it would be strange that the UK did not take part on it."