The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to urgently release $1.3 billion in airline funds currently blocked from repatriation. While this figure represents a 25% improvement from $1.7 billion reported in October 2024, the significant amount continues to hinder airline operations and global connectivity.
Airlines face critical challenges when their revenues from ticket sales and other activities are withheld by governments, preventing them from accessing essential funds to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain operations. IATA emphasized that such delays and denials violate international agreements and treaty obligations, increasing exchange rate risks and jeopardizing the financial stability of airlines which typically operate on very thin margins.
“Ensuring the timely repatriation of revenues is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “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.”
Top 10 Countries Account for 80% of Blocked Funds
As of the end of April 2025, 10 countries are responsible for 80% of the total blocked funds, amounting to $1.03 billion.
*XAF Zone includes Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
Regional and Country Highlights:
- Africa and Middle East (AME) Dominance: The AME region accounts for a substantial 85% of total blocked funds, reaching $1.1 billion as of end April 2025.
- Positive Progress in Pakistan and Bangladesh: Pakistan and Bangladesh, previously among the top five countries for blocked funds, have made significant strides in clearing their backlogs. Pakistan’s blocked funds decreased from $311 million in October 2024 to $83 million, and Bangladesh’s reduced from $196 million to $92 million.
- Mozambique’s Escalation: Conversely, Mozambique has seen a significant increase in blocked funds, climbing to the top with $205 million, up from $127 million in October 2024.
- Bolivia Clears Backlog: A notable improvement was observed in Bolivia, which has fully cleared its backlog of $42 million from October 2024.
IATA reiterates its call for governments to prioritize the removal of all barriers preventing airlines from the timely repatriation of their revenues. This action is crucial to support the financial health of airlines, maintain vital international connectivity, and underpin economic growth and job creation globally.
