IATA reports 28% drop in blocked funds, but challenges persist
IATA is reporting a 28% decrease in the amount of airline funds blocked from repatriation by governments. As of the end of April, the total blocked funds stood at approximately $1.8 billion, a reduction of $708 million (28%) since December 2023.
That said, IATA is reiterating its call for governments to remove all barriers to airlines repatriating their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, said that: “The reduction in blocked funds is a positive development. The remaining $1.8 billion, however, is significant and must be urgently addressed.”
And, IATA’s director general continued: “The efficient repatriation of airline revenues is guaranteed in bilateral agreements. Even more importantly, it is a pre-requisite for airlines—who operate on thin margins—to be able to provide economically critical connectivity. No business can operate long-term without access to rightfully earned revenues.”
IATA said that the main driver of the reduction was a significant clearance of funds blocked in Nigeria. Egypt also approved the clearance of its significant accumulation of blocked funds.
However, in both cases, airlines were adversely affected by the devaluation of the Egyptian Pound and the Nigerian Naira.
The global airline industry association noted that in June 2023, Nigeria’s blocked funds amounted to $850 million, significantly affecting airline operations and finances in the country. However, as of April 2024, 98% of those funds have been cleared. The remaining $19 million is due to the Central Bank’s ongoing verification of outstanding forward claims filed by the commercial banks.
Said Walsh: “We commend the new Nigerian government and the Central Bank of Nigeria for their efforts to resolve this issue. Individual Nigerians and the economy will all benefit from reliable air connectivity for which access to revenues is critical. We are on the right path and urge the government to clear the residual $19 million and continue prioritizing aviation.”
In all, eight countries account for 87% of the total blocked funds, amounting to $1.6 billion.
Those countries include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Algeria, the XAF Zone, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Eritrea and Zimbabwe.
IATA said that the situation has become severe in Pakistan and Bangladesh with airlines unable to repatriate $731 million ($411 million in Pakistan and $320 million in Bangladesh) of revenues earned in these markets.
Walsh said that: “Pakistan and Bangladesh must release the $731 million in blocked funds immediately to ensure airlines can continue providing essential air connectivity. In Bangladesh, the solution is in the hands of the Central Bank, which must prioritize aviation’s access to foreign exchange in line with international treaty obligations. The solution in Pakistan is finding efficient alternatives to the system of audit and tax exemption certificates, which cause long processing delays.”
