Lynx Air to shut down after challenges 'become too significant to overcome'

Lynx Air will close down on Monday, it has announced.

The low-cost airline – whose destinations include Vancouver, Calgary, LA, Las Vegas and Cancun – said last night it had obtained an initial order for creditor protection in Alberta.

The firm said it had “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.”

It will cease operations at 12:01 am on Monday, Feb. 26.

Flights will continue until that time, the company said.

Passengers with existing bookings are advised to speak with their credit card company to secure refunds, Lynx said.

It provided no further information about refunds. Though it claimed “every effort is being made” to help passengers, it also explained: “Lynx Air’s contact centre will not be available to assist with refunds.”

The company’s first flight was in April 2022. For a short period of time, it offered flights in and out of Kelowna, but ceased operations in the city in August 2023 when the airport was closed due to wildfires.

"Lynx was a seasonal service with not a lot of frequency," the airport's CEO said then.

Lynx said that over the last two years it doubled its passenger numbers.

“However, 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 said.

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

A brief FAQ has also been posted on the firm’s website.