Ethiopian Airlines Group has repatriated 360 million dollars from nearly half a billion dollars trapped in foreign accounts. Yet, 140 million dollars remains inaccessible abroad. Chief commercial officer Lemma Yadecha described these efforts as notable headway, with the airline now deploying funds locally for fuel and services.
Ethiopian Airlines Group has made progress in accessing funds stuck overseas due to foreign exchange restrictions. From nearly half a billion dollars trapped abroad, the airline has repatriated 360 million dollars, equivalent to almost two-thirds of the total. However, 140 million dollars still cannot be brought back.
Lemma Yadecha, the airline's chief commercial officer, described these achievements as “notable headway” in addressing the ongoing challenge of trapped funds. He noted that difficulties remain, but the company is adapting by spending the funds locally in the countries where they are held—purchasing fuel and paying for services on the ground.
The development was reported on December 20, 2025, by Fortune staff writer Bezawit Huluager. This issue stems from broader currency constraints affecting revenues earned by airlines in various nations, highlighting persistent hurdles in global aviation operations. The partial recovery bolsters Ethiopian Airlines' financial position amid these pressures.
