Sydney, June 1: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that governments around the world continue to withhold a staggering US$1.3 billion in airline revenues as of the end of April 2025. While still significant, the figure reflects a 25 per cent improvement from the US$1.7 billion recorded in October 2024.
According to IATA, the funds—largely derived from ticket sales and other commercial activities—are being blocked from repatriation, posing serious financial risks to global airlines. These restrictions hinder the ability of airlines to manage dollar-denominated expenses and maintain essential operations.
Ten countries are responsible for 80 per cent of the blocked total, amounting to approximately US$1.03 billion. Mozambique currently tops the list, holding back US$205 million, followed by the XAF Zone* (US$191 million) and Algeria (US$178 million). Other countries with substantial blocked amounts include Lebanon (US$142 million), Bangladesh (US$92 million), Angola (US$84 million), Pakistan (US$83 million), Eritrea (US$76 million), Zimbabwe (US$68 million), and Ethiopia (US$44 million).
Notably, Pakistan and Bangladesh have made considerable strides in reducing their blocked balances, which stood at US$311 million and US$196 million respectively in October 2024.
Mozambique, however, has moved in the opposite direction, climbing to the top of the list from a previous figure of US$127 million. IATA highlights that the Africa and Middle East (AME) region is particularly affected, accounting for US$1.1 billion—or 85 per cent—of all blocked funds.
On a more positive note, Bolivia has made the most significant improvement, having fully cleared its backlog of US$42 million reported in October last year.
“Ensuring the timely repatriation of revenues is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations… 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.
*XAF Zone includes Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
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