IATA has urged governments to remove all barriers which prevent airlines from the repatriating their revenues, stating that as of the end of April, airlines are unable to access $1.3bn of their own money because governments are blocking its transfer.
Despite these funds totalling well over $1bn, this is a 25% improvement from the $1.7bn that was blocked in October 2024.
"Ensuring the timely repatriation of revenues is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations,” commented Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general. “Governments must realize that it is a challenge for airlines to maintain connectivity when revenue repatriation is denied or delayed.”
IATA noted that Mozambique topped the list for the highest amount of funds blocked, withholding $205 million, compared with $127 million in October 2024.
Ten countries account for 80% of the total blocked funds, amounting to $1.03bn.
The Africa and Middle East region accounts for 85% of total blocked funds globally, at $1.1bn, as of end April 2025.