Lynx Air, a Canadian low cost carrier airline, has filed for court protection from creditors and will cease operations on February 26.

The low cost carrier cited challenges including escalating operating costs, high fuel prices, and increased airport charges as reasons for its decision. Despite efforts to cut costs, expand the business, and explore potential sales or mergers, Lynx Air found the obstacles insurmountable.

The airline shared this heartfelt message on its X account.

Thank you for your support, it's been a pleasure to offer our affordable fares and great flying experience.

We will leave our paw prints in the sky - Lynx. ?✈️ For more information, please visit our FAQ: https://t.co/MQ3OwAM8h4 pic.twitter.com/0i0lMaM5Qo

— Lynx Air (@Lynx_Air) February 23, 2024

At the time of writing Lynx Air had a fleet of nine 737 MAX 8 aircraft with an average age of 2.9 years

Less than two weeks ago the airline started a new route to Cancun so for both employees and passengers alike this announcement came as a shock. The airline shared on its website that the decision was made quickly to wind down operations while leaving enough time to get our crews and as many of our passengers as possible home.

What about the passengers?

It's business as usual over the weekend however, those who have been affected by a cancellation prior to the cease of operations will need to contact their credit card provider for a refund. Lynx Air will not be able to assist with refunds or accommodations or rebooking on other carriers.

From February 26 all passengers will have their flights cancelled and will need to contact their credit card company for a refund. Unfortunately, travel vouchers and flight vouchers will no longer be accepted once Lynx ceases operations.

The airline has placed a FAQ on its website

Other airlines step in to help

It would come as no surprise to our readers that those who have had to arrange alternate flights are paying hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars to get last minute alternate flights with other airlines. However Canada's biggest airlines have agreed to step in and help.

WestJet said the airline will offer discounted fares for stranded domestic travellers and capped fares for Canadian repatriation flights on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx. All economy cabin fares that meet that criteria are eligible for a 25 per cent discount between Feb. 22 and Oct. 26, as long as the booking is made by next Thursday.

Air Canada said it will cap fares and add more than 6,000 seats in select markets Lynx Air operated in, to provide affected customers with affordable options within Canada, to the U.S. and to Cancun.

“These fares will be available for purchase before Feb. 26 for travel through April 2, to cover the March Spring break periods across Canada and the Easter holiday period,” the airline said in a press release.

The airline said it also plans to incrementally add capacity of more than 6,000 seats on Lynx routes from Toronto and Montreal to Cancun, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix and Las Vegas between Feb. 25 and March 19.