It is becoming increasingly problematic for some airlines that revenue from ticket sales abroad is being frozen by fewer governments. According to the Iata industry association, it should be around 2,1 billion euros, 47 percent more than a year earlier. 

It is also noteworthy that two-thirds of the sum mentioned is to be allocated to just five states. According to Iata, the rest would be distributed among “many other countries”. This is ticket revenue that was generated locally in the respective foreign market, but cannot be passed on to the airline due to government restrictions. For example, there are governments that prohibit the export of US dollars, whether by wire, check, or cash. Airlines are also affected by this, because this currency plays a very important role in aviation internationally. 

According to the figures published by Iata, Nigeria is supposed to hold back the most money with the equivalent of 760 million euros. Followed by Bangladesh with 200 million euros, Algeria with 184 million euros, Pakistan with 173 million euros and Lebanon, which is said to have frozen 132 million euros. 

Iata boss Willie Walsch warns that increasing freezes on funds could also impact countries' connectivity. He also points out that some carriers have already suspended their connections due to frozen ticket revenues. Iata is therefore appealing to the governments concerned to comply with international aviation agreements and bilateral agreements.