Search & book flights with SmartLynx
Alternatives to SmartLynx
SmartLynx is no longer available to book through Alternative Airlines. If you were hoping to fly routes that were once operated by SmartLynx, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered.
SmartLynx Airlines has ceased operations
Important update:
SmartLynx Airlines is no longer operating. The airline has officially ceased all flight services. While you can no longer book flights with SmartLynx through Alternative Airlines, we offer tickets with 600+ other airlines, including many that fly similar routes.
About SmartLynx
SmartLynx Airlines, originally known as LatCharter (1992-2008), was a charter airline that also operated some passenger services. It served as the parent company of Estonian-based SmartLynx Airlines Estonia.
Headquartered at Riga International Airport (RIX), SmartLynx flew to a variety of destinations across Europe, Africa and Asia. Known for its multi-lingual cabin crew, the airline transported around 2 million passengers annually at its peak.
The airline began life as LatCharter in 1992 and operated independently until it was acquired by Icelandair in 2006. In 2008, it rebranded to SmartLynx and later returned to independent ownership in 2012 when it was purchased by its own management team.
Baggage Policy
Note: The following information is for reference only, as SmartLynx is no longer in operation.
Carry-on Baggage
SmartLynx Airlines allowed one item of carry-on baggage per passenger. Size limits were 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm. Weight allowances varied depending on the route.
Checked Baggage
There was no limit to the number of checked bags a passenger could bring on a SmartLynx flight, provided the total weight stayed within the airline’s limits for the specific route. Infants (aged 2 or under) could also bring a foldable pushchair.
Check-In
Note: The following information is for reference only, as SmartLynx is no longer in operation.
Online Check-in
SmartLynx did not offer online check-in.
Airport Check-in
For SmartLynx flights, all passengers were required to check in at the airport, at least 45 minutes before departure. Gates closed 30 minutes before the flight, with additional time recommended for those travelling with special baggage or needing help at the airport.
More than 100,000 happy customers per year
This was my first booking and I used Alternative Airlines twice on this trip. I must say by far the best online booking experience ever.
Buy now, pay later
Buy your flights now and pay later
No way, really?! Yes! We’ve partnered with some amazing BNPL payment providers to allow you to pay for your flights over time, with ease.
Hub Airport
Riga International Airport
Note: The following information is for reference only, as SmartLynx is no longer in operation.
Riga International Airport is the sole international airport in Latvia and was the airport base for SmartLynx Airlines.
SmartLynx operated out of Riga International since its inception in 1992 when it operated under the name as LatCharter. Riga International Airport sees over 15 different airlines fly to over 100 destinations across 30 countries.
The airport is split into three different terminals - Terminal A is used for flights to and from the Schengen area, Terminal B is used just for departures within the Schengen area and Terminal C is used for departures inside and outside the Schengen area as well as arrivals from non-Schengen countries.
Riga International Airport is currently the hub airport for airBaltic and Wizz Air.
Fleet
SmartLynx Airlines' fleet consisted of a family of Airbus, including a mix of Airbus A320 and Airbus A321-200s.
News
SmartLynx Airlines ceases operations after more than three decades
25 November 2025
SmartLynx Airlines has officially ceased operations following growing financial pressures and a recent filing for creditor protection. The airline confirmed the news in a statement shared on its LinkedIn page, marking the end of more than 30 years in the skies.
SmartLynx began life in the early 1990s operating Soviet-era aircraft before modernising and becoming one of Europe’s leading ACMI and charter providers. Its aircraft regularly flew on behalf of major airlines, including easyJet and IndiGo, often with branding applied by the partner airline.
According to industry data, the final flights scheduled under SmartLynx’s operation were Indian domestic services for IndiGo on 9 November. In its announcement, the airline said the decision followed a full assessment of its long-term outlook and was not taken lightly.