Lynx Air is shutting down operations less than two years after it started operations.
The airline announced recently that it would cease operations effective 12:01 a.m. on February 26, 2024.
In a news release, Lynx Air said: “Every effort is being made to assist passengers at this time. Passengers with existing bookings are advised to contact their credit card company to secure refunds for pre-booked travel.”
Also, the Calgary-based airline announced that it has filed and obtained an initial order for creditor protection from an Alberta court.
Lynx Air, formerly known as Enerjet, said the problems it was encountering had become “too significant to overcome” despite substantial growth, operation improvements, cost reductions and attempts to explore a sale or merger.
The airline said: “Over the past year, Lynx Air, has faced a number of significant headwinds including rising operating costs, high fuel prices, exchange rates, increasing airport charges and a difficult economic and regulatory environment.”
Lynx Air’s inaugural flight started in April 2022. It operates nine Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to 18 destinations – 11 in Canada, 6 in the United States and 1 in Mexico.
The airline said on its website that travellers with flights booked on or after February 26, 2024 should contact their credit card company for a refund. The airline made it known that its contact centre would not be available to assist with refunds.
In a recent X post, Federal Transport Minister, Pablo Rodriguez said he was closely monitoring the airline’s announcement.
The post read: “I’m thinking of the Canadian travellers and workers affected by this news, their families, and the communities across Canada who will feel the impact of this,” the minister said, adding that he expects Lynx to help its customers who had incoming flights to get them back home as soon as possible and offer a refund if the fare isn’t honoured.
“My office has been in touch with Lynx, we will continue to communicate with all parties, and we’ve convened calls with other airlines to see how they can help, to ensure the passengers are put first.”
