Freetown,29th April, 2026 – Air Sierra Leone has announced the temporary suspension of its London–Freetown and London–Banjul routes for the month of May following the sudden bankruptcy of its aircraft provider, Ascend Airways.
The carrier said the liquidation of Ascend Airways had an immediate impact on operations, forcing the suspension while new arrangements are finalized. Customers affected will be offered full refunds or rebooking options.
Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Sukhjinder Mann, described the development as “equally shocking,” noting that Ascend Airways had been a trusted partner. He linked the closure to wider pressures in the aviation industry, including fuel price volatility and the ongoing Middle East crisis.
“Air Sierra Leone remains well‑funded and committed to our markets,” Mann assured. “We are actively negotiating with alternative operators and expect to resume flights very shortly. However, we have chosen to suspend services throughout May to allow sufficient time for regulatory approvals in Sierra Leone, the UK, and The Gambia.”
Mann praised Ascend Airways for its professionalism and said the airline would consider redeploying affected staff in future London operations. He emphasized that despite the setback, Air Sierra Leone remains dedicated to connecting West Africa with Europe and regional destinations.
