Air Peace has denied suggestions that it attempted to detain any lessor’s aircraft, insisting instead that ongoing issues with Smartlynx stem from what it describes as deliberate fraud and operational disruptions that cost the Nigerian carrier more than USD 38 million.

The clarification, contained in a statement issued by the airline’s management on Friday, explains that the dispute involves damp lease agreements with Smartlynx Airlines Malta Limited, SIA Smartlynx Airlines, and Smartlynx Estonia OU, and that the crisis escalated after the companies allegedly failed to deliver agreed block hours despite receiving advance payments.

According to the statement, “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.”

Air Peace further alleged that Smartlynx continued to demand advance payments “under the pretext that it would operate the agreed block hours,” despite knowing months earlier that it had no intention of fulfilling the agreement. The company said this conduct constituted obtaining funds “under false pretences.”

The airline disclosed that its total losses from the failed arrangements currently stand at “USD 38,042,843.84 (Thirty-eight million, forty-two thousand, eight hundred and forty-three dollars and eighty-four cents).”

These concerns, Air Peace said, prompted the commencement of legal proceedings against Smartlynx, leading to a court ruling earlier this month. The statement noted that “On 12 November 2025, the court issued an order against Smartlynx.”

Reaffirming its position, the airline reiterated that it “has no intention of detaining any lessor’s aircraft in Nigeria or anywhere else.” (AriseNews TV)