IATA Urges Release of Over $1 Billion in Blocked Airline Funds in Africa and Middle East
Africa and Middle East hold 85% of blocked airline funds as Mozambique tops the list at $205M.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports $1.3 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of end April 2025.
This total includes over $1.1 billion (85%) concentrated in the Africa and Middle East region, with Mozambique at the top with $205 million.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated that “Ensuring the timely repatriation of revenues is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations.”
He highlighted that delays violate bilateral agreements and increase exchange rate risks.
10 Countries Hold 80% of Blocked Airline Funds
According to IATA, ten countries are responsible for 80% of the total blocked funds.
While Pakistan and Bangladesh have reduced their backlogs, IATA notes Mozambique’s blocked funds increased to $205 million from $127 million in October 2024.
Other African nations on the list, as reported by IATA, include the XAF Zone ($191 million), Algeria ($178 million), Angola ($84 million), Eritrea ($76 million), Zimbabwe ($68 million), and Ethiopia ($44 million).