easyJet faces $72 million lawsuit over abandoned aircraft

British airline easyJet is facing a lawsuit in London’s High Court seeking approximately $72 million in damages. The claim was filed by liquidators of STLC Europe Eight, an Irish aircraft leasing firm owned by Russia’s state-owned State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK).

The dispute centers on six Airbus aircraft that easyJet allegedly abandoned in Madrid, Spain, and Larnaca, Cyprus, following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. easyJet terminated the leases, citing EU sanctions against GTLK as a reason it could no longer operate the planes. However, liquidators argue that because the aircraft were located outside of Russia and the leasing firm was based in Ireland, the airline had a duty to maintain the planes in an airworthy state.

The lawsuit seeks $36.7 million in unpaid rent and interest, $32.5 million for aircraft depreciation, and €2.8 million in unpaid airport parking fees. Liquidators claim that the poor condition of the aircraft in Cyprus resulted in lower sale prices. easyJet has stated it intends to defend itself against the claims, maintaining that sanctions prevented the necessary maintenance and repairs.