IATA Warns USD 1.2 Billion in Airline Revenues Still Blocked Across Governments

IATA emphasized that the inability to repatriate earnings impacts airlines’ cash flow, operational planning, aircraft maintenance, payment of suppliers, and route viability.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that as of end-October 2025, a total of USD 1.2 billion in airline revenues remains blocked from repatriation by governments around the world. Although there has been a modest improvement of USD 100 million since April 2025, the situation continues to place severe financial pressure on global carriers.

Africa and Middle East Hold the Majority of Blocked Funds

A striking 93% of all blocked airline funds—equivalent to USD 1.12 billion—are trapped in Africa and the Middle East (AME). The region continues to face economic instability, foreign exchange shortages, and restrictive currency controls, all of which hinder airlines’ ability to retrieve their revenue.

IATA emphasized that the inability to repatriate earnings impacts airlines’ cash flow, operational planning, aircraft maintenance, payment of suppliers, and route viability.

IATA Calls for Immediate Removal of Restrictions

IATA urged governments to uphold their obligations under bilateral air service agreements, which guarantee airlines the right to repatriate revenues earned from ticket sales, cargo operations, and ancillary services.

Restrictions come in several forms:

• Complex or inconsistent approval processes

• Lengthy delays in authorization

• Foreign exchange scarcity

• Central bank–imposed limitations on USD access

IATA Director General Willie Walsh highlighted the gravity of the situation:

“Airlines need reliable access to their revenues in U.S. dollars to keep operations running, pay their bills, and maintain vital air connectivity. Governments have committed to unfettered repatriation of funds. With low margins and significant dollar-denominated costs, airlines depend on governments fulfilling that commitment.”

Walsh added that supporting airlines ultimately benefits national economies by sustaining connectivity, trade, tourism, and employment.

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Ten Countries Account for Nearly All Blocked Funds

Just ten countries are responsible for 89% of the total blocked amount—roughly USD 1.08 billion.

Country	Amount Held (USD Million)
Algeria	307M
XAF Zone*	179M
Lebanon	138M
Mozambique	91M
Angola	81M
Eritrea	78M
Zimbabwe	67M
Ethiopia	54M
Pakistan	54M
Bangladesh	32M

*XAF Zone includes Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.

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Country-Specific Developments

Algeria: New Requirements Trigger Surge in Blocked Funds

For the first time, Algeria tops the global list. A recently introduced approval requirement by the Ministry of Trade, combined with pre-existing heavy documentation procedures, has sharply increased delays. IATA is urging Algeria to eliminate unnecessary administrative hurdles to prevent long-term harm to the country’s connectivity and aviation competitiveness.

XAF Zone: Backlog Persists Despite Improvements

The XAF Zone has seen modest progress, dropping from USD 191 million to USD 179 million since April 2025. However, airlines still struggle with a three-step validation process overseen by BEAC, which significantly slows down repatriation. IATA calls for streamlined procedures and faster processing to sustain momentum.

AME Region Still the Epicenter of Restrictions

The AME region spans 26 countries where varying degrees of political instability, currency volatility, and economic pressure contribute to the problem. Walsh added:

“Political and economic instability across Africa and the Middle East are key drivers of currency restrictions. While we recognize foreign exchange allocation is challenging, the long-term benefits of enabling airline repatriation outweigh short-term budget concerns.”

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Strengthening Transparency: IATA Launches New Tracking Portal

To address growing concerns among industry stakeholders, IATA has launched an online transparency platform offering:

• Quarterly updates on blocked airline funds

• Country-by-country developments

• Historical data and trends

• Guidance and background information

The initiative aims to hold governments accountable and provide the industry with reliable visibility into an issue that directly affects airline sustainability.