Update: Market Chatter: EasyJet Reportedly Faces $72 Million Lawsuit Over Six Aircraft Grounded After Russia Sanctions

11:18 PM EDT, 09/09/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with easyJet statement) EasyJet (EZJ.L) is facing a claim of at least $72 million from the Irish unit of Russia's State Transport Leasing Co, or GTLK, after the British budget airline grounded six Airbus aircraft in 2022 following Russia sanctions, the Financial Times reported Wednesday. Liquidators for GTLK's Europe division, STLC Europe Eight, filed the case with the London High Court, reportedly alleging EasyJet left the leased planes in Madrid and Cyprus without maintenance and running up airport storage charges, the newspaper said. STLC is said to be seeking damages of at least $36.7 million for unpaid rent and interest, $32.5 million for aircraft depreciation, and 2.8 million euros in airport storage fees. The final amount could rise, as it has yet to quantify losses on the three aircraft at Madrid airport that have not been taken into possession or sold, according to the report. EasyJet told MT Newswires that it does not comment on ongoing litigation but noted that it plans to "defend the claim in full." (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)