As of April 2025, Nigeria is holding $743.7 million in funds from foreign airlines, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The funds, meant to be repatriated by international carriers, remain inaccessible due to government restrictions.
IATA reported that a total of $1.3 billion is currently blocked by various governments worldwide. Countries within Africa and the Middle East account for $1.1 billion of this figure, representing 85% of the global total. Compared to $1.7 billion recorded in October 2024, this marks a 25% improvement.
Mozambique now leads the list of countries with the highest blocked airline funds, holding $205 million, up from $127 million in October. Other countries on the top ten list include the XAF Zone ($191 million), Algeria ($178 million), Lebanon ($142 million), Bangladesh ($92 million), Angola ($84 million), Pakistan ($83 million), Eritrea ($76 million), Zimbabwe ($68 million), and Ethiopia ($44 million). These ten countries together account for $1.03 billion, or 80% of all blocked funds.
IATA is urging governments to clear the way for airlines to access their earnings from ticket sales and related services. The association emphasizes that doing so aligns with international agreements and treaty obligations.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, stated that the inability to repatriate earnings creates serious challenges for airline operations. He explained that airlines require reliable access to funds to cover foreign expenses and maintain their operations. Walsh also warned that payment delays add to exchange rate risks and breach bilateral aviation agreements.
He added that global connectivity depends on a smooth financial flow for airlines, and withholding funds makes it harder for them to serve affected countries.
