Air Peace has clarified that it has no intention of detaining any Lessor’s aircraft in Nigeria or anywhere else.
The airline explained in a statement signed by its management that its 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.
Air Peace noted that 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.
The airline explained that 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.
The management of Air Peace noted that as of the date of this press statement, the airline’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 maintained led to the initiation of court proceedings by Air Peace against Smartlynx.
According to the airline, on 12 November 2025, the court issued an order against Smartlynx.
