Air Peace Seeks Legal Redress Against Smartlynx Over USD 38m Losses, Rejects Aircraft Detention Claims

Air Peace has issued a fresh clarification on its ongoing dispute with Smartlynx Airlines, firmly denying any suggestion that it intends to seize or detain aircraft belonging to the lessor.

The airline described such claims as “entirely false” and motivated by attempts to distort the facts surrounding the contractual disagreement.

According to the statement released by management, the matter involves three Smartlynx entities – Smartlynx Airlines Malta Limited, SIA Smartlynx Airlines, and Smartlynx Estonia OU.

The disagreement centres on the operation of four aircraft leased to Air Peace under damp lease arrangements, during which the airline alleges that Smartlynx engaged in deliberate and sustained fraudulent conduct.

Air Peace claims that Smartlynx repeatedly demanded and received substantial advance payments under the guise that it would operate the agreed block hours.

However, evidence available to the Nigerian carrier reportedly shows that Smartlynx had prior knowledge – months before drawing the funds – that it would not meet the operational requirements for which the payments were made.

The airline said this dishonesty resulted in “devastating scheduling disruptions” during a critical period of passenger traffic, severely undermining its reliability and causing reputational damage that it continues to address.

As of the date of the statement, Air Peace estimated its total losses at USD 38,042,843.84, a figure it says captures the full extent of the financial harm, operational setbacks, and consequential losses suffered due to Smartlynx’s actions.

The dispute escalated to the courts, prompting Air Peace to file formal proceedings against the Smartlynx entities. On 12 November 2025, the court issued an order against Smartlynx, although the specifics of the ruling have not yet been disclosed publicly.

Aviation legal experts note that such orders often involve compliance directives, protective measures, or steps compelling parties to honour contractual obligations.

Despite the legal battle, Air Peace stressed that the narrative alleging plans to “detain” any lessor’s aircraft is inaccurate and misleading, insisting that it remains committed to lawful and ethical business conduct.

The airline reaffirmed that it would continue to defend its interests through appropriate legal channels while ensuring that passengers and partners receive accurate information regarding the dispute.