The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging the Egyptian government to relax restrictions on foreign currency transfers that have resulted in international airlines being unable to repatriate income from ticket sales. The restrictions imposed in March 2016 have resulted in some $275 million in foreign exchange funds transfers from Egypt being blocked.

According to IATA, following negotiations between some of its member airlines, the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority and the Central Bank of Egypt, agreement has been reached to release some $240 million in funds, but the terms under which the remaining amount could be released are still in question. “Talks continue towards establishing a realistic and achievable payment schedule to settle the amount remaining,” said IATA in a written statement.

IATA, which represents 265 airlines accounting for 83 percent of global air traffic, has told Egyptian authorities that aviation is an essential component in the country’s efforts to overcome its ongoing economic difficulties. It estimates that aviation supports more than one million jobs in Egypt and generates $13.1 billion in annual social and economic benefits to the country.

“Airlines struggle to provide vital connectivity if they are not able to recover revenues which are essential to covering their costs,” said the association. “IATA, the airlines serving Egypt and the government of Egypt are working closely to find a solution that will comply with international obligations and facilitate effective air links in support of Egyptian business, including trade and tourism.”

In June 2016, IATA criticized the governments of Nigeria and Venezuela for blocking the repatriation of international airline revenues. It claimed that Venezuela had blocked as much as $3.78 billion in airline revenues over the preceding 16 months.