Canadian Low-Cost Carrier Lynx Air Will Cease Operations on February 26

Some sad news out of Canada: Lynx Air, the start-up low-cost carrier, has announced that it will cease operations.

Here’s what you need to know.

Lynx Air is Shutting Down

Canadian airline Lynx Air, based in Calgary, will shut down effective 12:01 a.m. MT on Monday, February 26.

In announcing the news, Lynx wrote on its X (Twitter) account: “It is with a heavy heart we leave the skies. We hope in our absence that our vision to Inspire More Canadians to Fly leaves its mark on our passengers.”

The airline said it was focused on ensuring that it would “bring as many of our travelers home as possible” and would operate most of its flights through February 26.

Lynx served U.S. destinations Orlando (MCO), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Fort Myers (RSW), Los Angeles (LAX), and Tampa (TPA). 

What Happened to Lynx Air?

According to local reports, Lynx’s demise surprised many and left passengers searching for ways to get home.

In fact, the airline was launching new routes until the very end. Just last week, Lynx announced 6x weekly nonstop service between Toronto and Cancún International Airport (CUN). Before that, the airline announced that Montréal (YUL) and Los Angeles (LAX) service would begin in July.

So, what happened? Lynx offered an explanation on a FAQ page dedicated to the shutdown.

“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,” the airline shared.

Indeed, Lynx entered an already-crowded, low-cost Canadian market. Established carriers like Porter Airlines and WestJet, and new players like Flair Airlines and Swoop, have made it challenging to sustain operations.

But it’s not all bad news. For Lynx travelers trying to get home, WestJet has offered a 25% discount (with the promo code WESTJET) on nonstop economy fares on WestJet routes previously served by Lynx. Your travel must be between February 22, 2024, and October 26, 2024, and you must book by February 29, 2024.

Final Thoughts

Lynx Air has announced that it is shutting down and, unfortunately, has given little notice to passengers with travel plans or who are in the middle of a trip.

If you have plans with Lynx, you should contact your credit card company to arrange a full refund and take advantage of the WestJet promotion that can save you a bit of cash if you need to get home.