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The National Passenger Processing Committee (NPPC) co-ordinates the exercise of various statutory controls and responsibilities carried out at airports. One of the NPPC’s functions is to review approval requests from airline and aircraft operators arriving or departing from non-international and / or non-designated airports where there is no permanent Customs and Border Protection, Immigration or Quarantine (CIQ) presence.

NPPC approval is not required for;

• existing major international airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide, Darwin or Perth); or
• restricted use international airports where there are existing international services - presently only Gold Coast (Coolangatta).

International flights at non-international airport procedures must be followed in all instances where NPPC approval is required, regardless of the number of people on board.

International flight operators and owner operators must provide a written request for NPPC approval to Customs and Border Protection at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the flight. Customs and Border Protection will liaise with relevant border agencies and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Local Government in relation to resource implications and approval to land, as well as the adequacy and availability of the existing facilities for processing passengers from the flight.

1. Submit a written application for approval

Provide a written request at least four weeks before arrival or departure of the flight to the following address:

The Chairman
National Passenger Processing Committee
Passenger Operations Branch
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
5 Constitution Ave
Canberra ACT 2601
Australia

Or if you would like to make a enquiry regarding an intended flight:

P: 61 2 6246 1210
F: 61 2 6275 6989
E: cfapplic@customs.gov.au

Please note, applications received less than five working days will not be considered except in emergency circumstances.

Applications cannot be accepted at regional offices.

The application must include itinerary, aircraft type and number of passengers/crew.

 IFNA application form (40 KB)

Form 2A Passenger report (cover sheet)

Form 2B - Passenger report

2. What you can expect if your flight is approved

If the flight is approved a formal notification will be sent to you via email from the Chair of the NPPC along with any conditions the NPPC as outlined. Other conditions may also be imposed on a case by case basis.