Air Peace Operations Disrupted Nationwide as Lessor Withdraws Aircraft

• Air Peace says SmartLynx Airlines abruptly withdrew multiple wet-leased aircraft, triggering nationwide delays, cancellations, and millions of dollars in losses.

Air Peace has accused SmartLynx Airlines of abruptly and unlawfully withdrawing several wet-leased aircraft from its fleet, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations across Nigeria in the past week.

During a press briefing at its Lagos office on Friday, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, explained that Air Peace entered a wet-lease agreement with SmartLynx because 13 of its aircraft are undergoing scheduled maintenance abroad.

“To avoid service gaps and ensure Nigerians could continue to travel conveniently, Air Peace leased aircraft from SmartLynx during peak travel periods,” Ngala said.

Ngala stated that the disruptions began when SmartLynx withdrew four wet-leased aircraft without prior notice, which he described as a violation of global aviation leasing standards and a breach of their contractual agreement.

He alleged that SmartLynx had collected upfront payments from Air Peace despite knowing the rightful owners were planning to repossess the aircraft due to SmartLynx’s default on payments.

The CCO revealed that over $5 million, including security deposits exceeding $1 million, is still with SmartLynx, while Air Peace has suffered over $15 million in damages as a result of the disruptions. The affected aircraft had already been rostered for scheduled flights, and their sudden removal created major operational gaps.

Ngala added that other airlines worldwide who leased aircraft from SmartLynx also experienced similar issues, signaling what he called a pattern of unprofessional behavior.

“We consider this a serious breach of contract—fraudulent and a premeditated scheme that has caused financial and reputational damage not only to Air Peace but to the Nigerian traveling public we serve,” he said.

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He further noted that Air Peace has already released three of the aircraft to their rightful owners in good faith, while one remains pending. The airline is now demanding a refund of its funds.

Ngala also recalled a previous case involving Syphax Airlines of Tunisia, which allegedly collected over $2 million from Air Peace and never returned the leased aircraft after claiming it was being taken for maintenance.

“These incidents highlight the challenges Nigerian carriers often face in international leasing arrangements. We cannot allow this to happen again,” he said.

Despite the setbacks, the CCO confirmed that some of Air Peace’s aircraft that went abroad for maintenance have returned.

“Two aircraft have already arrived. Beginning next week, we expect to resume full operations across all our routes as more aircraft return,” he assured.

Ngala apologized to passengers for the inconveniences experienced and expressed appreciation for their patience.

“Air Peace remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and world-class flight services. We are taking all necessary steps to prevent future disruptions and to hold defaulting partners accountable,” he said.