In view of the ongoing dispute with Smartlynx Airlines Malta Limited, SIA Smartlynx Airlines, and Smartlynx Estonia OU (collectively referred to as “Smartlynx”), Air Peace has clearly stated that it has no plans to detain any Lessor’s aircraft, whether in Nigeria or elsewhere.
The airline’s ongoing dispute arose from the execution of damp lease agreements covering four aircraft.
During the course of these agreements, Smartlynx allegedly engaged in actions that resulted in significant financial loss to Air Peace and caused major disruptions to the airline’s operations during a critical peak travel period. These disruptions led to substantial reputational and operational setbacks.
According to Air Peace, Smartlynx repeatedly requested and received advance payments on the representation that it would fulfil the contracted block hours. However, Smartlynx was purportedly aware well before receiving these funds that it would not operate the prepaid block hours, yet continued to collect payments under misleading circumstances.
As at the date of this release, Air Peace estimated its total losses from the matter to be USD 38,042,843.84 (Thirty-eight million, forty-two thousand, eight hundred and forty-three dollars and eighty-four cents).
These developments prompted the airline to initiate legal action against Smartlynx.
On November 12, 2025, the court issued an order against Smartlynx in connection with the ongoing proceedings.