European Commission proposes PNR Directive

The details of every passenger on a flight within the European Union could be passed on to destination countries.

If new proposals from the European Commission for a Passenger Name Record (PNR) Directive are adopted, this would force airlines to send this passenger information to authorities in the destination country as a matter of course.

The US, Canada and Australia already require PNR data to be sent to them before planes can land. However in the past the European Parliament has questioned the need for PNR arrangements with the US and has blocked deals with US authorities.

But Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs said: "This proposal for an EU PNR Directive is an important part of EU security policy.

"Common EU rules are necessary to fight serious crime such as drugs smuggling and people trafficking as well as terrorism, and to ensure that passengers' privacy is respected and their rights fully protected in all Member States.

"The proposal requires Member States to anonymise all PNR data that is collected."

According to Out-Law, the online legal review published by solicitors Pinsent Masons, the information that is transferred under PNR arrangements is data that is collected by airlines in the booking process.

It includes names of travellers and fellow travellers; dates of travel and of booking travel; all available contact details; baggage information; and travel itineraries.