British budget airline easyJet is facing a lawsuit seeking at least $72 million over six Airbus aircraft that were left stranded in Spain and Cyprus after the airline terminated their leases amid sanctions linked to Russia.
The case, filed at London’s High Court by STLC Europe Eight, an Irish aircraft-leasing subsidiary of Russian state-owned lessor GTLK, alleges that easyJet improperly abandoned the leased Airbus jets in 2022.
According to the Financial Times and Reuters, the aircraft were left at airports in Madrid and Cyprus, where maintenance and storage costs continued to accumulate.
Why Is easyJet Being Sued?
easyJet reportedly notified STLC in April 2022 that it was terminating the aircraft leases because European Union sanctions made it difficult or impossible for the airline to maintain or repair the planes.
STLC disputes that position. Its claim argues, among other points, that the aircraft were located outside Russia and that the leasing company was incorporated in Ireland.
The legal dispute therefore centers partly on how sanctions applied to the aircraft-leasing arrangement.
EU restrictions introduced following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine affected aviation-related goods, services and leasing arrangements.
EASA guidance also addressed restrictions involving aircraft leasing and technical assistance connected with Russia.
Six Airbus Jets and Millions in Claimed Losses
The lawsuit reportedly includes at least $36.7 million in unpaid rent and interest, $32.5 million in aircraft depreciation, and β¬2.8 million in airport fees.
The final amount could increase because the value of the three Madrid-based aircraft has not yet been fully realized.
Three aircraft stored at Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus were eventually recovered and sold.
According to the claim, their condition reduced the proceeds by at least $32.5 million compared with their expected value. The other three aircraft remain in Madrid and have not yet been sold.
The aircraft had also been grounded during the collapse in air travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding another layer of complexity to their history.
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easyJet Plans to Fight the Claim
easyJet has said it intends to defend the lawsuit in full but declined to provide additional details because the litigation is ongoing. GTLK did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
The dispute comes as easyJet continues operating a large Airbus-based fleet.
The airline reported 356 aircraft as of March 31, 2026, including Airbus A319, A320, A320neo and A321neo aircraft.
In June, easyJet announced delivery of its 100th Airbus NEO aircraft.
Why the Case Matters for Aviation
The easyJet lawsuit illustrates how aircraft leasing contracts can become extraordinarily complicated when geopolitical sanctions affect ownership, financing, maintenance and payments.
Aircraft are typically high-value assets that require continuous maintenance and generate significant storage and financing costs when grounded.
When sanctions create uncertainty over which parties can legally receive payments or provide services, airlines and lessors can face competing contractual and regulatory obligations.
The case is also part of a broader wave of aviation litigation arising from Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Similar disputes have involved aircraft stranded in Russia, insurance claims and billions of dollars in potential losses.
Important: The allegations against easyJet have not been established by a final court judgment.
The figures above are claims reported from the lawsuit, while easyJet has stated that it intends to defend the case fully.
Key Facts
- Claim: At least $72 million
- Airline: easyJet
- Aircraft: Six Airbus jets
- Claimant: STLC Europe Eight
- Court: London’s High Court
- Aircraft locations: Madrid, Spain, and Larnaca, Cyprus
- Main dispute: Lease termination, sanctions, aircraft condition and associated costs
- easyJet’s position: The airline intends to defend the claim in full
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is easyJet facing a $72 million lawsuit?
STLC Europe Eight alleges that easyJet improperly terminated aircraft leases and left six Airbus jets without adequate maintenance, resulting in rent, depreciation and airport-related losses.
Where are the six Airbus aircraft?
Three aircraft were recovered and sold after being stored in Cyprus. Three others remain in Madrid, according to the reported claim.
What role did Russia sanctions play?
easyJet said sanctions prevented it from maintaining or repairing the aircraft, while the lessor disputes whether the sanctions applied to the particular leasing arrangement.
Has easyJet admitted liability?
No. easyJet has said it intends to defend the lawsuit in full.
Has the court ruled against easyJet?
No final judgment has been reported. The allegations remain part of ongoing litigation.
What Happens Next?
The London High Court proceedings could determine who is responsible for the aircraft’s deterioration, unpaid lease obligations, storage expenses and resulting loss in value.
The case could also provide further insight into how international aircraft leases are treated when sanctions disrupt contractual relationships.
For airlines, aircraft lessors and insurers, the outcome could become another important reference point in the continuing legal fallout from sanctions affecting the global aviation industry.
