Angola has deployed SITA’s globally compliant Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API PNR) Gateway at the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, marking a major step in modernising the country’s border management and aviation security systems.

The deployment, led by Angola’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), is part of a wider national API PNR programme that also includes the establishment of a Passenger Information Monitoring and Management Centre in Luanda. Together, the initiatives are designed to help authorities manage rising passenger volumes while enhancing security and regulatory compliance.

API and PNR data are now a standard requirement in global aviation, shared by airlines and passengers during booking, check-in and boarding. API data contains passport and identity information, while PNR data includes travel itineraries and booking details. When combined, the data allows authorities to assess risks before flights depart or arrive, underpinning modern watchlist screening, border control and efforts to combat serious crime and terrorism.

At Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, the new system enables airlines to transmit both API and PNR data to Angolan authorities ahead of departure. Consolidating this information in a single platform gives border agencies earlier visibility of who is travelling to Angola and supports faster, more informed decision-making.

According to ANAC, the system will help identify irregularities, detect suspicious travel patterns and prevent unauthorised travellers from boarding flights bound for the country. It also supports compliance with international obligations set by the United Nations Security Council, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union.

The State Secretary for Civil Aviation, Maritime and Port Sectors, Rui Carreira, described the initiative as a milestone for the country. “The inauguration of the National Command and Control Center marks a historic moment for Angola. This strategic investment strengthens the security of our borders and consolidates the country’s position as a modern and competitive international transport hub,” he said.

ANAC President Amélia Kuvíngua said the system enhances Angola’s ability to act proactively. “It allows us to manage migratory flows more effectively and strengthen preparedness against transnational crime. With SITA’s specialised support, Angola now has robust capabilities to operate these systems with confidence and efficiency,” she noted.

The Passenger Information Monitoring and Management Centre will serve as the central hub for border operations, housing multiple workstations where specialists can analyse API and PNR data in real time. A dedicated data centre located alongside the facility provides high processing and storage capacity, ensuring secure and uninterrupted system performance. The centre is scheduled for inauguration on 26 November 2025.

SITA’s Senior Vice President for Borders, Pedro Alves, said Angola’s approach reflects a broader shift across Africa. “Governments are accelerating digitalisation to keep pace with rising travel demand. By combining API and PNR capabilities with a national monitoring centre, Angola is creating an operational model that improves security, reduces risk for airlines and delivers greater predictability at the border,” he said.

The investment supports Angola’s ambition to become a major global transport hub. The new airport has capacity for up to 15 million passengers annually and is integrated with road, rail and port infrastructure. Visa-free entry for citizens of 98 countries is also driving traffic growth.