Insights
Judge Butcher refuses to allow aviation war insurers to appeal
Posted 18/09/2025 – Insights
Various insurers have been denied permission to appeal the landmark London High Court judgement that ordered them to pay aircraft lessors under war-risk policies for jets stranded in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. On Tuesday, Mr Justice Butcher refused insurers’ application for permission appeal on all grounds. This decision represents the latest development in one of the largest lawsuits ever heard in London.
The judge has reserved his decision on the parties’ legal costs. AerCap’s legal costs alone are reputed to be $100m.
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This announcement from Butcher provides further clarity to the aviation insurance market and this should help to speed up the payment of the insurance claims being disputed within the UK legal system. It is thought that the thorough judgement will enable the direct insurers to approach their reinsurers to begin recovery of the claim, although the reinsurance purchased is in many different forms and will require further resolution.
