Everything you need to know about Lynx Air shutting down in Canada

Another low-budget airline in Canada is ceasing operations. Lynx Air, a Calgary-based low-cost airline with service to destinations throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, announced on Thursday that it will be ceasing all operations as of Monday, February 26th. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Why is Lynx Air ceasing operations?

Operating as an ultra-low-cost carrier, Lynx launched its inaugural flight in April 2022.

According to Lynx Air, “Despite substantial growth in the business, ongoing operational improvements, cost reductions and efforts to explore a sale or merger, the challenges facing the company’s business have become too significant to overcome.”

Lynx adds that other obstacles that led to their shutdown included rising operating costs, high fuel prices, exchange rates, increasing airport charges and a difficult economic and regulatory environment.

What happens now?

Many Lynx Air customers have questions now that the news has broke that the company will not be operating as of February 26th, including what happens if a customer has a flight booked after that date.

Lynx Air says, “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.”

The former airline also adds that if you have a flight before February 26th they will “continue to operate the majority of our flights through this weekend. If your flight is cancelled, you will be notified via email.”

WestJet

If you’re upset about the sudden news WestJet is stepping in to help. WestJet, another Canadian airline, put out its own statement saying it recognizes the immediate impact the shutdown has on passengers and employees of Lynx and is committed to assisting where they can. These are the actions WestJet is taking to help:

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

“Lynx would like to extend sincere gratitude to its loyal customers, dedicated employees and business partners for their commitment and dedication to the company,” the airline concluded.

If you have a trip booked through Lynx Air make sure to look into these changes and good luck!