According to a press release issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on 2 June, $1.3 billion in airline revenues remained blocked as of the end of April 2025, with ten countries accounting for 85% of the total. IATA is urging the concerned governments to ‘remove all barriers’ and ensure the repatriation of these funds in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations.
These funds originate from ticket sales, cargo services and other commercial activities paid to airlines in the countries where the tickets or services were issued. Under existing international accords, governments are not permitted to withhold these payments.
Although the press release states that this figure represents an improvement compared to October 2024, when the blocked amount was 1.7 billion dollars, IATA warns that the continued restrictions are causing significant financial strain on the industry.
In the statement, IATA’s CEO, Willie Walsh, stressed that ‘reliable access to revenues is critical for any business, particularly airlines which operate on very thin margins’.
A total of $1.3 billion in ✈️ funds are blocked from repatriation by govts. This amount, is an improvement of 25% vs the $1.7 billion reported in October 2024.
— IATA (@IATA) June 1, 2025
Govts must honor their commitments to fair #financial practices in #aviation.https://t.co/pkHsggEKG5#IATAAGM pic.twitter.com/xki3hH4amh
Which countries are blocking funds?
As of April 2025, 85% of the blocked revenues were concentrated in 15 countries: twelve in Africa and three in the Middle East and South Asia.
Among African countries, Mozambique topped the list with $205 million in blocked revenues, up from $127 million in October 2024. It is followed by Algeria with $178 million, the XAF zone – which includes Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon – with $101 million, Angola, $84 million, Eritrea $76 million, Zimbabwe $68 million; and Ethiopia holding $44 million.
The other three countries are Lebanon, holding $142 million; Bangladesh, $92 million; and Pakistan, $83 million.
Bangladesh and Pakistan were in the top five until October 2024 but have since made partial repayments.
How did we get here?
In 2021, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria accounted for over 60% of all blocked airline revenues, with Nigeria alone holding $800 million.
Since then, Nigeria has successfully addressed the issue. Following a change of leadership at the Central Bank of Nigeria, the country has implemented measures to liberalise the foreign exchange market and stabilise its currency (the naira), thereby allowing the clearance of much of its backlog.
At the time, IATA had issued a similar warning, highlighting the additional pressure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on airlines.
Why are funds being blocked?
The reasons vary but are mostly linked to economic or political instability and they range from currency shortages, preventing conversion and transfer, to balance of payment crises, exchange rate restrictions or sometimes political leverage in trade or diplomatic disputes.
The most common appears to be strict exchange control measures, which prevent airlines from repatriating money. Walsh has warned in the statement that these can lead to serious financial difficulties for airlines, while ‘delays and denials violate bilateral agreements and increase exchange rate risks’.
Why it matters
Blocking the transfer of revenues can lead to reduced flight frequency, suspended routes, and higher ticket prices. In some cases, pressure from industry stakeholders, diplomatic channels, or legal arbitration may be required – as is currently the case with IATA’s campaign.
‘Ensuring the timely repatriation of revenues is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations. Economies and jobs rely on international connectivity. Governments must realise that it is a challenge for airlines to maintain connectivity when revenue repatriation is denied or delayed,’ said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
