11 April 2024
New regulations have come into force to make pilots, owners and operators of private aircraft liable for fines of up to £10,000 if they do not provide Border Force with advance passenger information online before they depart to or from the UK.
The change came into force on 6 April. The Home Office says it will mean Border Force and the police can better identify potential security threats, prevent and detect crime, and monitor immigration status. Previously, advance passenger information could be submitted by email, fax or other manual methods.
The number of airfields that can be used for international flights is also being reduced.
According to the Home Office, since 1 January 2024, the number of airfields approved to handle international General Aviation flights – mostly affecting private jets – has been reduced by 84%.
Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove MP, said, “Keeping our borders safe and secure is one of my top priorities.
“These new regulations that are effective from 6 April will strengthen our border security further by making it easier for Border Force and the police to perform robust security checks on people who fly to and from the UK on a private or unscheduled general aviation flight.”
From 6 April, pilots, owners and operators of General Aviation flights will need to provide advance passenger information online from forty-eight hours to no later than two hours before their departure, otherwise they will be liable for a civil penalty of up to £10,000.
The Border Force website for submitting a General Aviation Report (GAR) is here.
