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SmartLynx Airlines Collapses Into Administration, Grounds All Flights After 33 Years

The shutdown removes a key source of leased aircraft for European carriers.

Overview

  • The Latvia-based carrier has ceased operations with its fleet grounded after unsuccessful rescue efforts.
  • SmartLynx specialized in ACMI wet-leasing, which provides another airline with the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance under one contract.
  • Clients included easyJet, IndiGo, AnadoluJet of Turkish Airlines, Air Transat and DHL, reflecting its role as a major capacity provider.
  • On November 24, 2025, the company said it would shut down all operations, leaving reported debts of £206 million and unpaid taxes of £433,000 to Latvian authorities.
  • The airline expanded rapidly in 2023–24 and carried more than 10 million passengers in a year, and administrators are now evaluating creditor recoveries as partner airlines adjust schedules that relied on its aircraft.