Air Peace has released a fresh statement addressing its contractual dispute with Smartlynx Airlines, firmly rejecting claims that it intends to seize or detain any lessor’s aircraft.
The airline described such rumours as “entirely baseless” and an attempt to mislead the public about the true nature of the disagreement.
According to the statement signed by management, the dispute involves three Smartlynx entities – Smartlynx Airlines Malta Limited, SIA Smartlynx Airlines, and Smartlynx Estonia OU.
The disagreement arose from the operation of four aircraft leased to Air Peace under damp lease arrangements, during which the Nigerian carrier alleges that Smartlynx engaged in calculated and fraudulent practices.
Air Peace explained that Smartlynx repeatedly demanded and received significant advance payments under the pretext that the aircraft would operate a stipulated number of block hours. However, Smartlynx is accused of knowing well ahead – months before collecting the payments – that it had no intention of fulfilling those operational commitments.
The airline stated that this alleged deception caused extensive disruptions to its flight schedules during a peak travel period, leading to what it termed “monumental operational and reputational damage.”
Passengers and stakeholders were affected as the airline scrambled to stabilise its network amid the unexpected shortfall in leased aircraft availability.
Air Peace put its cumulative losses at USD 38,042,843.84, reflecting direct financial damages, operational setbacks, and consequential losses arising from Smartlynx’s alleged misconduct.
The matter has since progressed to the courts, with Air Peace initiating legal proceedings against the Smartlynx entities. A court order was issued on 12 November 2025, although details of the directive have not been made public.
Aviation industry observers note that such orders often involve protective measures or instructions compelling compliance with contractual obligations.
Despite the ongoing judicial process, Air Peace emphasised that it has no intention whatsoever of detaining any lessor’s aircraft, calling such claims “misleading distractions” aimed at distorting public perception.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to lawful business conduct, transparency, and the protection of its operational integrity.
It also assured passengers and partners that the matter is being addressed through appropriate legal channels while efforts continue to maintain stable and reliable flight operations.Air Peace Seeks Restitution from Smartlynx Over USD 38m Loss, Dismisses Aircraft Detention Rumours
Air Peace has released a fresh statement addressing its contractual dispute with Smartlynx Airlines, firmly rejecting claims that it intends to seize or detain any lessor’s aircraft.
The airline described such rumours as “entirely baseless” and an attempt to mislead the public about the true nature of the disagreement.
According to the statement signed by management, the dispute involves three Smartlynx entities – Smartlynx Airlines Malta Limited, SIA Smartlynx Airlines, and Smartlynx Estonia OU.
The disagreement arose from the operation of four aircraft leased to Air Peace under damp lease arrangements, during which the Nigerian carrier alleges that Smartlynx engaged in calculated and fraudulent practices.
Air Peace explained that Smartlynx repeatedly demanded and received significant advance payments under the pretext that the aircraft would operate a stipulated number of block hours. However, Smartlynx is accused of knowing well ahead – months before collecting the payments – that it had no intention of fulfilling those operational commitments.
The airline stated that this alleged deception caused extensive disruptions to its flight schedules during a peak travel period, leading to what it termed “monumental operational and reputational damage.”
Passengers and stakeholders were affected as the airline scrambled to stabilise its network amid the unexpected shortfall in leased aircraft availability.
Air Peace put its cumulative losses at USD 38,042,843.84, reflecting direct financial damages, operational setbacks, and consequential losses arising from Smartlynx’s alleged misconduct.
The matter has since progressed to the courts, with Air Peace initiating legal proceedings against the Smartlynx entities. A court order was issued on 12 November 2025, although details of the directive have not been made public.
Aviation industry observers note that such orders often involve protective measures or instructions compelling compliance with contractual obligations.
Despite the ongoing judicial process, Air Peace emphasised that it has no intention whatsoever of detaining any lessor’s aircraft, calling such claims “misleading distractions” aimed at distorting public perception.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to lawful business conduct, transparency, and the protection of its operational integrity.
It also assured passengers and partners that the matter is being addressed through appropriate legal channels while efforts continue to maintain stable and reliable flight operations.
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