Smartlynx Airlines is at the centre of a major dispute after Air Peace accused the company of breaching the terms of a damp lease arrangement involving four aircraft. Air Peace has also commenced firm legal action against the leasing company following what it described as deliberate financial deception amounting to more than USD 38 million. The airline stressed that it has no intention of detaining any lessor’s aircraft in Nigeria or anywhere else, despite circulating speculation about the dispute. It noted that the issue now rests squarely within the legal system, where it seeks full redress.
Legal Action Justified
The dispute arose from the damp lease of four aircraft operated by Smartlynx Airlines Malta Limited, SIA Smartlynx Airlines, and Smartlynx Estonia OU, jointly known as Smartlynx. Air Peace explained that the companies repeatedly acted in bad faith and concealed critical information during the arrangement. The airline’s review of the events revealed a pattern of misleading conduct that created significant operational setbacks and contributed to the financial damage.
According to Air Peace, Smartlynx obtained several advance payments by claiming that it would deliver the agreed block hours. However, the airline later discovered that Smartlynx already knew it would not operate the prepaid hours, even before receiving the payments. This knowledge, Air Peace said, formed the basis of a calculated deception that misled the airline during its peak operations, when schedule reliability was essential.
The airline detailed how Smartlynx’s failures caused major disruption across its network. Flights were delayed or cancelled, and the inconsistency of the leased aircraft affected various operational processes. Although the operations team worked to stabilise the schedule, the persistent failure of Smartlynx to honour its commitments undermined these efforts. Passengers were inconvenienced, crews faced additional pressure, and the airline’s reputation was strained at a time when demand was particularly high. This is the basis of the legal action.
Air Peace underscored that the operational impact directly contributed to its financial loss. The total loss, calculated at USD 38,042,843.84, includes the fraudulent advance payments, the cost of disrupted operations, and the wider reputational consequences that emerged during the period. Each cancelled or delayed flight created further financial pressure, amplifying the effect of the initial deception and deepening the overall loss.
Therefore, the airline said the move to commence legal action became unavoidable. It explained that the scale of loss, together with the evidence gathered, made negotiation insufficient. Air Peace emphasised that this action aims to recover the funds lost and establish accountability for the conduct it described. It noted that the documentation submitted to the court for the legal action reflects a full account of Smartlynx’s alleged misrepresentations and the subsequent impact on the airline’s operations.
Air Peace also addressed the public discussion around aircraft detention. It clarified that it has no intention of withholding any aircraft belonging to Smartlynx or any other lessor. The airline said such claims distract from the real issue: the alleged fraud, the substantial financial loss, and the resulting need for legal action. It insisted that the matter must be resolved through the court system rather than speculation.
As part of the unfolding case, the court issued an order against Smartlynx on 12 November 2025. Air Peace described this development as a significant step forward, strengthening its position and confirming that the evidence presented has weight. It added that it will continue to cooperate fully with the judicial process as the case progresses.
The airline concluded that its priority remains the integrity of its operations and the protection of its financial stability. While the legal action continues, Air Peace said it would remain transparent and focused on ensuring accountability for the events that led to the loss. It reaffirmed that it will continue to push for justice and full compensation as the legal proceedings advance.
They still own money to crews and engineers.