Bangladesh blocking over $323m foreign airlines’ revenues, says IATA

The amount of foreign airlines’ revenues stuck in Bangladesh now stands at $323 million, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The IATA on Wednesday called on Bangladesh to immediately release the revenues that are being held in ‘contravention of international agreements’. The association said airlines’ revenue worth $399 million is also stuck in Pakistan.

“The situation has become severe with airlines unable to repatriate over $720 million ($399 million in Pakistan and $323 million in Bangladesh) of revenues earned in these markets,” the IATA said in a statement posted on its website.

“The timely repatriation of revenues to their home countries is critical for payment of dollar denominated expenses such as lease agreements, spare parts, overflight fees, and fuel. Delaying repatriation contravenes international obligations written into bilateral agreements and increases exchange rate risks for airlines.”

“Pakistan and Bangladesh must release the more than $720 million that they are blocking with immediate effect so that airlines can continue to efficiently provide the air connectivity on which both these economies rely,” said Philip Goh, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific.

Pakistan should simplify the onerous process of repatriation. This currently includes the requirement to provide audit certificates and a tax exemption certificate, both of which cause unnecessary delays.

The IATA noted that Bangladesh has more standardized processes, but aviation needs a higher priority from the central bank to facilitate access to foreign exchange.

“We recognise that governments have a difficult challenge in how foreign currencies are used strategically. Airlines operate on razor-thin margins. They need to prioritize the markets they serve based on the confidence they have in being able to pay their expenses with revenues that are remitted in a timely and efficient fashion.”

“Reduced air connectivity limits the potential for economic growth, foreign investment, and exports. With such large sums of money involved in both markets, urgent solutions are needed,” said Goh.