$5m lease scandal: Air Peace alleges fraud, sabotage by SmartLynx

Air Peace has accused SmartLynx Airlines of engaging in a “premeditated and fraudulent” breach of contract following the abrupt withdrawal of four wet-leased aircraft — an action the Nigerian carrier says triggered widespread flight delays and cancellations in recent days.

At a press briefing in Lagos, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, briefed journalists on the disruptions, assuring passengers that normal operations would be restored as Air Peace aircraft currently undergoing maintenance begin returning to service.

Ngala apologised to passengers for the inconvenience but stressed that the disruptions were caused by “an unjustified and reckless action” from SmartLynx.

He explained that Air Peace had entered a wet-lease agreement with the company to cover capacity gaps while 13 of its aircraft were abroad for scheduled maintenance.

According to him, the arrangement collapsed after SmartLynx allegedly withdrew four leased aircraft without prior notice, despite having received more than $5 million from Air Peace — including security deposits exceeding $1 million.

“This abrupt withdrawal was carried out with no notification whatsoever,” he said.

“These aircraft had already been rostered for scheduled flights.

“What makes it even more troubling is that SmartLynx collected money upfront, knowing the rightful owners were due to repossess the aircraft over their unpaid obligations.”

Ngala said the action violated standard industry practice and breached contractual agreements, inflicting more than $15 million in damages on Air Peace and causing significant disruption for its passengers.

He added that several other airlines globally had reportedly faced similar issues with SmartLynx, describing it as evidence of “a pattern of unprofessional conduct.”

Despite the dispute, Air Peace said it had returned three of the affected aircraft to their owners “in good faith” and was only insisting on a refund of the funds paid.

“One aircraft remains in its possession pending resolution.

Ngala also recalled a previous incident involving SYPHAX Airlines of Tunisia, which he said disappeared with more than $2 million belonging to Air Peace after claiming a leased aircraft was being taken for maintenance — an aircraft that was never returned.

“These recurring breaches highlight the broader challenges African airlines face in the international leasing space.

“There must be fairness and transparency,” he said.

On recovery efforts, Ngala disclosed that some Air Peace aircraft had completed scheduled maintenance and had started returning to Nigeria.

“Two aircraft have already arrived,” he confirmed.

“Beginning next week, we expect to resume full operations across all routes as more aircraft return from maintenance facilities abroad.”

He assured passengers that the airline is taking steps to stabilise its schedules, prevent future disruptions, and hold all defaulting partners accountable.

“We sincerely regret the difficulties our passengers experienced,” Ngala said. “Air Peace remains committed to safe, reliable, and world-class service delivery.”

With the bulk of its fleet expected back shortly, the airline said it is focused on restoring full operational capacity and reaffirming public confidence.