Air Peace said that it instituted a case against Smartlynx over a breach of agreement by the latter which resulted into the former incurring a loss of over $38 million .
A statement signed by the management of the airline confirmed that the airline took the case to court and that the court on November 12, 2025, issued an order against Smartlynx.
Meanwhile, clarified in the statement that it has no intention of detaining any Lessor’s aircraft in Nigeria or anywhere else.
The airline said that it current issues with the trio of Smartlynx Airlines Malta Limited, SIA Smartlynx Airlines, and Smartlynx Estonia OU (hereinafter referred to as “Smartlynx”) stem from the operation of damp lease agreements involving four aircraft, during which Smartlynx deliberately defrauded Air Peace of several millions of dollars. This is in addition to the severe disruptions to Air Peace’s scheduled operations during peak season, resulting in monumental reputational and operational damage to the airline.
“During the operation of the lease, Smartlynx deliberately defrauded Air Peace and fraudulently obtained several advance payments under the pretext that it would operate the agreed block hours. Smartlynx fully knew—months before receiving these payments that it had no intention of operating the prepaid block hours, yet it continued to demand and receive payments from Air Peace under false pretences.
“As of the date of this press statement, Air Peace’s total losses stand at USD 38,042,843.84 (Thirty-eight million, forty-two thousand, eight hundred and forty-three dollars and eighty-four cents).
This situation, the airline said led to the initiation of court proceedings by Air Peace against Smartlynx.
Recall that on November 14, 2025, Air Peace cried out over the sudden withdrawal of three aircraft by SmartLynx, which disrupted the operations of the airline and also made passengers at airports.
“The disruptions were caused by the abrupt and unjustified withdrawal of four (4) aircraft we wet-leased from SmartLynx Airlines. This withdrawal was done without prior notice, a clear violation of industry standards, and of the agreement between both parties.
“What makes this even more concerning is that SmartLynx had collected money upfront from Air Peace, fully aware that the rightfull owners of those aircraft would be withdrawing their aircraft from them because they have been in default of payments to the said owners,”Air Peace said.
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