Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier Lynx Air has announced that it will cease operations, citing mounting financial pressure as the cause.
Lynx Air launched at Calgary International Airport (YYC) on April 7, 2022, but in the face of “rising operating costs, high fuel prices, exchange rates, increasing airport charges and a difficult economic and regulatory environment” the decision has been made to bow out.
On February 22, 2024, the airline sought and obtained an initial order for creditor protection from the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). It will continue flying until 12:01 am local time on February 26, 2024.
Lynx Air operated a fleet of 189-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on wet lease and during its two years of service carried nearly two million passengers.
In a memo to staff, COO Jim Sullivan stated that a significant issue had been “competitive tension in the Canadian market”.
“While we did our best, the pressures mounted and the risks increased, which has led to today’s announcement.,” Sullivan said, according to the Calgary Herald.
The airline explored the option of selling the airline and negotiating a merger, but the challenges facing the company’s business became “too significant to overcome”.
AeroTime had previously reported that a merger between Lynx Air and Flair Airlines could be imminent.
In a post on X (formally Twitter), Lynx Air wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce Lynx’s departure from the skies. We hope in our absence that our vision to ‘Inspire More Canadians to Fly’ leaves its mark on out passengers.”
Thank you for your support, it's been a pleasure to offer our affordable fares and great flying experience.
— Lynx Air (@Lynx_Air) February 23, 2024
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
The airline confirmed that it is taking steps to support passengers and advised them to contact their credit card company to secure refunds for pre-booked travel.
