Blocked airline funds have continued to challenge the global aviation industry, with governments in several countries restricting the repatriation of revenues earned by international airlines.
A recent report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has revealed that as of April 2025, a total of $1.3 billion in airline funds remain blocked worldwide.
The report revealed a 25% improvement from the $1.7 billion reported in October 2024.
According to the report, Africa and the Middle East accounted for 85 percent of total blocked airline funds, valued at $1.1 billion.
Commenting on the situation, IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, said: “Ensuring the timely repatriation of revenues is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations. Delays and denials violate bilateral agreements and increase exchange rate risks. Reliable access to revenues is critical for any business—particularly airlines that operate on very thin margins. Economies and jobs rely on international connectivity. Governments must realize that it is challenging for airlines to maintain connectivity when revenue repatriation is denied or delayed.”
Pan-Atlantic Kompass in this article explores the top 10 countries responsible for these blocked funds;
1). Mozambique
Mozambique emerged as the top country withholding airlines’ blocked funds, holding $205 million as of April 2025, up from $127 million in October 2024.
2). XAF Zone
The XAF Zone, comprising Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon, ranks second, blocking $191 million of airline funds.
These countries share a common currency, the Central African CFA franc, and face chronic foreign exchange shortages.
3). Algeria
Algeria holds the third spot, with $178 million in airlines’ blocked funds. The country’s strict foreign exchange controls have long been a barrier for international carriers, impacting their cash flow and operational planning.
4). Lebanon
Lebanon, grappling with a deep economic crisis, is fourth, withholding $142 million. The IATA reported that the country’s financial instability has made it difficult for airlines to access their revenues.
5). Bangladesh
Bangladesh ranks fifth on the list of countries withholding airline funds. According to the IATA, the country is blocking a total of $92 million.
6). Angola
Angola ranks sixth, blocking $84 million in airline funds.
7). Pakistan
Pakistan, previously a top offender, has reduced its blocked funds from $311 million in October 2024 to $83 million, placing it seventh.
8). Eritrea
Eritrea placed eighth on the list with $76 million blocked airline funds.
9). Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe holds $68 million in airlines’ blocked funds, ranking ninth.
10). Ethiopia
Ethiopia, with $44 million blocked airline funds, rounds up the top 10 according to IATA.
On the other hand, IATA has removed Nigeria from the list of countries with significant blocked funds.
Previously the top offender in 2023 due to chronic foreign exchange shortages, Nigeria’s reforms have allowed airlines to repatriate their revenues, the international agency said.
