SmartLynx Latvia, once a central part of the Baltic ACMI and charter landscape, has officially ceased operations following a period of mounting financial pressure and significant corporate restructuring.
Financial difficulties began to surface more clearly in recent months, coinciding with the decision by Avia Solutions Group to divest SmartLynx Airlines. The sale to a private consortium—intended to simplify Avia Solutions Group’s portfolio and allow SmartLynx to operate with greater independence—also triggered an internal review of the group’s structure. As part of the consolidation process, SmartLynx Latvia was identified as unsustainable in its current form, leading to the decision to discontinue operations.
For years, SmartLynx Latvia operated under the umbrella of the broader SmartLynx group, known for its aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) services, as well as ad-hoc and seasonal charter flights. The Latvian operation helped build the group’s reputation for rapid-response capacity solutions for airlines experiencing fleet shortages, unexpected maintenance events, or surges in seasonal demand. Its aircraft regularly supported carriers across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, contributing to the group’s international profile.
The shutdown marks a notable loss for Latvia’s aviation sector. SmartLynx Latvia had long provided local employment, specialist aviation expertise, and a degree of national visibility within an increasingly globalised ACMI market. While the wider SmartLynx group continues to operate through its other air operator certificates, the closure of the Latvian unit underscores the difficulties faced by smaller AOCs amid tightening economic conditions and growing consolidation within the industry.
