Air Sierra Leone has temporarily suspended its London–Freetown and London–Banjul services for May 2026 following the sudden collapse of its aircraft provider, Ascend Airways, a development that has disrupted its international operations and forced an urgent restructuring of its fleet arrangements.
The airline said the bankruptcy and liquidation of Ascend Airways had an immediate and significant operational impact, given the provider’s central role in supporting its long-haul services between West Africa and Europe. The disruption has exposed the vulnerability of wet-lease models, where airlines depend heavily on third-party aircraft and crew providers to sustain operations.
According to the carrier, the suspension is a precautionary step to allow time to secure alternative aircraft, complete regulatory approvals, and ensure full compliance with aviation authorities in Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, and The Gambia. It noted that safety, reliability, and operational stability remain its top priorities as it works to restore services.
Chief Operating Officer Sukhjinder Mann described the collapse of Ascend Airways as unexpected, stating that the airline had no prior indication of financial distress at its partner. He added that broader industry challenges, including geopolitical tensions and rising operational costs, have compounded pressures across the global aviation sector, contributing to instability among service providers.
Air Sierra Leone maintained that despite the setback, it remains financially stable and is already in advanced discussions with alternative operators to replace the grounded capacity. The airline expressed optimism that flights could resume before the end of May, subject to the timely completion of aircraft certification and regulatory clearances.
Passengers affected by the suspension have been offered full refunds or alternative travel arrangements, with dedicated support teams handling rebookings and customer inquiries. The airline also reassured customers of its long-term commitment to maintaining connectivity between West Africa and key international destinations.
The collapse of Ascend Airways has sent ripples through the aviation leasing market, highlighting the growing strain on operators amid rising fuel costs and shifting global travel patterns. Industry observers note that such disruptions could influence how airlines structure future leasing agreements, with greater emphasis on resilience and diversification of fleet partnerships.
For Air Sierra Leone, the immediate focus remains on restoring its London network while minimising further inconvenience to passengers. The airline said it is using the disruption as an opportunity to strengthen its operational framework and position itself for more sustainable growth once services resume.
