Smart Lynx

SmartLynx Airlines has a safety record that includes some notable incidents, but it maintains regulatory certifications.

• Recent Safety Record and Notable Incidents: SmartLynx has experienced several safety incidents across its various AOCs. On February 28, 2018, a SmartLynx Airlines Airbus A320-214 made an emergency landing at Tallinn Airport, landing 150 meters from the runway during a training exercise, resulting in severe damage to the aircraft. Other incidents include rejected takeoffs due to engine problems (SmartLynx Malta Boeing 737-8 MAX, June 2024; SmartLynx A320, October 2025), a door problem leading to a cabin pressurization issue (SmartLynx Airbus A321, January 2024), bird strikes (SmartLynx A320, June 2012; SmartLynx Malta A320, February 2022), and a cracked windshield (SmartLynx Malta Boeing 737-8 MAX, February 2024).

• Regulatory Certifications: SmartLynx Airlines has successfully passed and renewed the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification, which is a globally recognized benchmark for airline operational safety. The audit covers various categories including flight operations, cabin operations, engineering and maintenance, and security management. The company has also received the Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States, allowing operations to, from, and within the USA for aircraft registered under its Latvian AOC, indicating compliance with US aviation standards. SmartLynx also holds Latvian and Estonian Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) and, as an EU-based airline, adheres to EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) quality standards. There is no indication of SmartLynx being on the EU Air Safety List (which bans airlines from operating within the EU).

• Fleet Age and Maintenance Reputation: At the time of its cessation, the Latvian SmartLynx Airlines fleet had an average age of 18 years for its A320-200s, 18.6 years for A321-200s, and 26.8 years for A321-200P2F freighters. The SmartLynx Group has also established an in-house line maintenance center, SmartLynx Technik, in 2021. SmartLynx has been recognized for its technological advancements, transitioning to a paperless cockpit environment using Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) since 2014, which enhances both efficiency and safety.

• Overall Safety Assessment: Based on available data, SmartLynx Airlines, through its various AOCs, operates under internationally recognized safety standards and holds key certifications like IOSA and FAA FAOC. While specific incidents have occurred, these are investigated, and the airline maintains its certifications, indicating adherence to regulatory safety requirements. The establishment of an in-house maintenance center and the adoption of digital safety tools further support their commitment to operational safety.

• Safety Awards or Recognitions: SmartLynx emphasizes its high safety standards in its operations. In 2022, SmartLynx Airlines received the "Family-friendly workplace" award, which, while not directly a safety award, indicates a positive internal culture that can indirectly contribute to overall operational excellence.