“It’s gone bust today, we got the news this afternoon. We’ve all been given the letters that it’s all going into liquidation,” said a distressed employee of Ascend Airways.
On May 1, 2026, Ascend Airways announced it had ceased all operations and entered liquidation, relinquishing its UK Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). The airline, which began trading as Synergy Aviation in 2004 and rebranded in 2023, was primarily operating as a ‘wet-lease’ provider for other airlines.
The closure stems from ongoing economic challenges, including a troubling jet fuel situation exacerbated by the Iranian conflict. Employees were notified that operations would wind down after the final Oman Air service from Muscat on April 30.
Key facts:
- Ascend Airways has surrendered its UK AOC, essential for conducting commercial flights within the UK.
- The fleet at the time of closure included one Boeing 737-800 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
- Employees face uncertainty regarding their salaries and may not receive full payment for May.
Despite the UK operations shutting down, Ascend Airways Malaysia will continue trading as normal. A company statement reassured stakeholders that “Ascend Airways Malaysia remains operationally stable, continues to meet all its contractual obligations and is progressing on-track with communicated expansion plans.”
This sudden collapse leaves many employees uncertain about their futures. “We’re not going to get paid for May and we have to go through the liquidators. You could get up to £750 a week but we’re not going to get the full amount we’re owed,” lamented another staff member.
