• 12 of the 15 countries with blocked airline revenues are in Africa, totaling $846 million

• Mozambique, Algeria, and Angola top the continent’s list of aviation-related debtors

• IATA says delayed repatriation threatens airline operations and violates air agreements

Africa continues to dominate the global list of countries holding back airline revenues, according to new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) covering the period through the end of April 2025. Of the 15 countries worldwide where foreign airlines cannot access ticket sales revenue, 12 are African, accounting for $846 million out of a global total of $1.3 billion.

Mozambique leads the group with $205 million in blocked airline funds, followed by Algeria with $178 million and Angola with $84 million. Eritrea owes $76 million, while Zimbabwe holds back $68 million. Ethiopia accounts for $44 million. The remaining six African countries, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon, collectively owe $191 million.

Outside Africa, Lebanon is holding back $142 million, Bangladesh $92 million, and Pakistan $83 million. While these figures remain substantial, IATA notes a broader decline in global blocked funds, down from $1.7 billion in October 2024. This drop is credited in part to the association’s lobbying efforts that pushed several governments to release funds owed to carriers.

Nigeria, which was the top debtor until late 2023 with nearly $800 million of the $1.68 billion blocked across Africa, reported in November 2024 that it had cleared about 98% of its dues. That followed firm action by major carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways, which suspended flights to Nigeria due to long payment delays.

Bangladesh and Pakistan, previously among the five biggest debtors alongside Nigeria, have also made significant progress. Their debts stood at $196 million and $311 million, respectively, in October 2024, but both countries have reduced these totals considerably.

IATA explains that the main reason behind the blocked funds is foreign exchange control measures in several countries. These restrictions make it difficult for airlines to repatriate earnings from ticket sales, causing serious financial strain and threatening business continuity.

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, warned that the impact goes beyond balance sheets. He emphasized that fast access to earnings is vital for airlines to pay their dollar-denominated expenses and stay operational. When countries delay or deny repatriation, they not only violate bilateral air service agreements but also increase foreign exchange risks.

Walsh added that airlines operate on extremely thin margins and cannot afford disruptions in access to their revenue. Reliable repatriation is essential for keeping international flights running and ensuring that air travel remains a viable option for passengers and cargo.