Charter and wet-lease airline Ascend Airways suspended its activity on April 30, 2026 after it has officially given up its certificate to operate commercial flights in the UK. The carrier, founded in 2004 as Synergy Aviation, did not commercialize flights under its own name but was doing wet-lease of aircraft to other airlines.
The announcement was given, following its final flight conducted for Oman Air from Muscat to Stansted Airport in London. According to Ascend insiders, the airline justified the shutdown on economic pressures, following the impact of skyrocketing jet fuel prices caused by the conflict in Iran.
Ascend Airways had a fleet of 6 Boeing 737-MAX 8 and 1 Boeing 737-800. Aircraft were leased to TUI Airways, Oman Air and Air Sierra Leone. The West African carrier is indeed the most affected by the liquidation of Ascend Airways.
“Air Sierra Leone sincerely regrets to inform our valued customers that our aircraft provider for the London-Freetown and London-Banjul routes, Ascend Airways, has entered bankruptcy and liquidation proceedings, resulting in the immediate cessation of its operations. This unforeseen development has had a significant impact on our flight operations.”
This was the message that the airline sent to its passengers already booked on its flights on April 30. The carrier also indicated to suspend all London flights in May, while finalizing arrangement for a new aircraft. Air Sierra Leone does not own any aircraft. Flights to Lagos have also been suspended.
Launched in September 2024, Air Sierra Leone operates in normal times direct flights between Freetown and Banjul (Gambia), Lagos (Nigeria) and London-Gatwick.
Air Sierra Leone management insists the suspension is temporary and necessary. Passengers affected by the suspension linked to Ascend Airways will receive full refunds or re-booking options.
Credits: Ascend Airways
