93% Of Blocked Airline Funds Trapped In Africa And Middle East (AME)

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released a list of countries with blocked funds, and the list includes some countries in Africa, Middle East and South Asia. According to IATA’s reports, “out of total blocked funds reported, 93% are trapped in Africa and Middle East (AME).”

IATA reported that “USD 1.2 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of the end of October 2025. A marginal improvement of USD 100 million has been made since last reported in April 2025.”

According to the data, “Algeria sits at the top of the list of blocked funds countries. Significant increases have been reported due to a new approval requirement by the Ministry of Trade, adding to the already burdensome documentation requirements. IATA urges the government of Algeria to remove unnecessary processes and requirements for airlines.”

On the other hand, IATA said “the blocked funds in XAF Zone have slightly decreased since last reported in April 2025 from USD 191 million”

airlines continue to face repatriation challenges despite submission of required documentation.” IATA also called on “the BEAC to streamline the internal three-step validation process and improve processing times to continue clearing the backlog.” The countries in the XAF Zone are Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.

IATA has called on “governments to lift all restrictions on currency repatriation and allow airlines to access their revenues in US dollars from ticket sales, cargo sales and other activities, as guaranteed in bilateral air service agreements and treaty obligations. Restrictions include burdensome or inconsistent procedures to obtain repatriation approval, delays in obtaining approval, shortage or lack of foreign exchange or other limitations imposed by governments or central banks.”

IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh said: “Airlines need reliable access to their revenues in U.S. dollars to keep operations running, pay their bills, and maintain vital air connectivity. Governments have committed to unfettered repatriation of funds in bilateral agreements. With low margins and significant dollar denominated costs, airlines depend on governments fulfilling that commitment.”

Mr. Walsh added: “Political and economic instability are key drivers of currency restrictions across Africa and the Middle East, resulting in large sums of blocked funds. We recognize that allocation of foreign exchange is a difficult policy decision, but the long-term benefits for the economy and jobs outweigh short-term financial relief.”

Additionally, “AME region accounts for 93% of total blocked funds across 26 countries, at USD 1.12 billion as of end October 2025.”

The ten countries and amounts held in blocked funds are listed below:

*XAF Zone (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon).

                                                                         Source: IATA