I would imagine that the personnel in airline ICT departments who are entrusting with the API data transmission side of their networks have had to undergo stringent enhanced security clearance. I would also guess that how the data is transferred airline to government is over a very secure, encrypted, confidential network detached from the airline's other networks (in a similar manner to the military having a confidential network for sensitive applications and data). Bearing these assumptions in mind - lets face it, no one except those directly working within the system will know how it works and the security involved - it would take a very determined, inside man to get at your information.
You could always stop yourself from becoming a victim full stop. Just don't fly, don't have a passport, don't travel outside the UK whatsoever...