The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that a substantial $1.3 billion in airline revenues remain blocked from repatriation by various governments worldwide as of the end of April 2025.
While this represents a 25% improvement from the $1.7 billion reported in October 2024, the amount continues to pose a significant challenge for airlines globally.
IATA has issued a strong call for governments to dismantle all existing barriers that prevent airlines from the timely repatriation of funds generated from ticket sales and other operational activities.
The organization emphasized that such timely repatriation is in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, underscored the critical importance of these funds.
“Ensuring the timely repatriation of revenues is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations,” Walsh stated.
He further warned that “Delays and denials violate bilateral agreements and increase exchange rate risks. Reliable access to revenues is critical for any business, particularly airlines which operate on very thin margins. Economies and jobs rely on international connectivity. Governments must realize that it is a challenge for airlines to maintain connectivity when revenue repatriation is denied or delayed.”
A concentrated problem, just ten countries are currently responsible for an alarming 80% of the total blocked funds, amounting to $1.03 billion.
Mozambique now holds the largest amount at $205 million, a significant increase from $127 million in October 2024. The XAF Zone, comprising Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon, collectively accounts for $191 million, followed by Algeria with $178 million, and Lebanon with $142 million.
Other nations with substantial blocked funds include Bangladesh ($92 million), Angola ($84 million), Pakistan ($83 million), Eritrea ($76 million), Zimbabwe ($68 million), and Ethiopia ($44 million).
The Africa and Middle East (AME) region is particularly affected, currently accounting for a staggering 85% of the total blocked funds, with $1.1 billion trapped as of the end of April 2025.
Despite the ongoing challenges, there have been some positive developments. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh, previously among the top five countries with blocked funds, have made commendable progress in reducing their backlogs.
Pakistan’s blocked funds decreased from $311 million to $83 million, while Bangladesh saw a reduction from $196 million to $92 million. Furthermore, Bolivia achieved the most significant improvement by fully clearing its backlog, which stood at $42 million at the end of October 2024.
