British wet-lease operator Ascend Airways has surrendered its air operator’s license (AOC) over financial issues, including the Iran war. British airline Air Sierra Leone, established as the new flag carrier for West African nation in 2024, used a wet lease partnership with Ascend Airways to run flights between Freetown International Airport (FNA) and London Gatwick, as well as a fifth-freedom route to Banjul International (BijL) in Gambia. With Ascend Airways now shut down indefinitely and facing liquidation, Air Sierra Sierra Leone has been left unable to run any of its routes to the United Kingdom. All of the airline's London flights will remain suspended throughout May 2026 as the airline seeks an alternative wet-leasing partner.