The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has again blasted Nigeria for withholding international airlines funds which it said has hit $464 million.

This is coming after Emirates Airlines announced the suspension of all Nigerian routes starting from September 1, 2022 as the carrier said it could not continue flights to Nigeria, lamenting its trapped $85 million.

IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawahdi in a statement on Thursday expressed disappointment with Nigeria the amount of airline money blocked from repatriation by the Nigerian government grew to $464 million in July.

His words: “IATA is disappointed that the amount of airline money blocked from repatriation by the Nigerian government grew to $464 million in July.

“This is airline money and its repatriation is protected by international agreements in which Nigeria participates. IATA’s many warnings that failure to restore timely repatriation will hurt Nigeria with reduced air connectivity are proving true with the withdrawal of Emirates from the market.

“Airlines cannot be expected to fly if they cannot realize the revenue from ticket sales. Loss of air connectivity harms the local economy, hurts investor confidence, and impacts jobs and people’s livelihoods. It’s time for the Government of Nigeria to prioritize the release of airline funds before more damage is done.”

Alawahdi had at the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Doha in June described as unacceptable the withholding of international airlines’ funds to $450 million. The amount is more than four other African nations put together. (New Telegraph)