Lynx Air has announced it is shutting down effective February 26, 2024.

In a message posted online, Lynx thanked travellers for their support. “It’s been a pleasure to offer you our affordable fares and great flying experience.”

The ultra low-cost carrier went on to say: “Tremendous work was put into the launch, growth and expansion of Lynx Air over the past two years … the compounding financial pressures associated with inflation, fuel costs, exchange rates, cost of capital, regulatory costs and competitive tension in the Canadian market have ultimately proven too steep a mountain for our organization to overcome.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce Lynx Air’s departure from the skies. We hope in our absence that our vision to inspire More Canadians to Fly leaves its mark our passengers.”

In a new FAQ section on its site, Lynx says it will cease operations at 12:01 a.m. MT on Monday, February 26.

Lynx passengers with booked flights up until and including February 25 are asked to check the carrier’s flight status page. “Our passengers are our priority, and to ensure we bring as many of our travellers home as possible, we will continue to operate the majority of our flights through this weekend. If your flight is cancelled, you will be notified via email.”

Lynx adds: “If your flight is for travel from Monday, February 26 onward, you can contact your credit card company and they will refund your flight. Please note: Lynx Air’s contact centre will not be available to assist with refunds.”

Passengers who are currently in destination are asked to check their flight status, as Lynx will be operating most flights through to Monday, February 26. “If your flight is scheduled for after February 26, you will receive a flight cancellation notification and you will be able to get a refund for your flight through your credit card company.  If you would like to move to a flight this weekend, reach out to our contact centre and they will do their best to assist you.”

WestJet Statement

In the wake of the news from Lynx, WestJet put out this statement  …

“WestJet is aware that Lynx Air has initiated CCAA proceedings and the resulting news that Lynx intends to cease operations at 12:01 a.m. MT on Monday, February 26, 2024.

“We recognize the immediate impact this information has on passengers and employees of Lynx, and we are committed to assisting where we can through a number of actions:

• All travel: 25% discount, by using discount code WESTJET, on all economy cabin fares on nonstop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel between February 22, 2024, and October 26, 2024, booking to be made up until February 29, 2024.
• Canadian repatriation for transborder and sun: Fares are capped at $250 plus taxes and fees on all northbound economy cabin fares, on nonstop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel up until February 29, 2024, booking to be made before February 29, 2024.
• All domestic fares on nonstop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel up until February 29, 2024, will not exceed $500 plus taxes and fees.

“All bookings should be made online through westjet.com. WestJet has managed pricing to ensure fares reflect a reduction from what would typically be charged.

“We are communicating closely with government officials and supporting agencies that are also working to address the needs of those impacted.”

Source: Travelweek