What Happened to Lynx Air? Why Canada’s Budget Airline Called It Quits in 2024

Airport terminal with digital flight information boards showing arrivals and departures.

So, if you’ve been wondering why you can’t book a cheap Lynx Air flight anymore—no, it’s not your Wi-Fi. Lynx Air has officially shut down.

Yup, as of February 26, 2024, they grounded all flights and closed up shop. If you’re thinking, “Wait, what?! I just flew with them a few months ago!”—you’re not alone. A lot of us didn’t see it coming this fast.

Let’s break down what actually happened, why it matters, and what you can do if you had a ticket (or just liked flying with them).


🛑 So… Why Did Lynx Air Shut Down?

In short? Money. And not enough of it.

Lynx Air was one of Canada’s newest ultra-low-cost airlines. They started strong in 2022, offering super cheap flights across Canada and to a few sunny U.S. spots like Vegas and LA. But the airline business isn’t easy—especially in Canada.

Here’s what led to their crash landing:

  • Costs kept rising: Fuel, airport fees, maintenance—it all added up.
  • They weren’t the only budget airline: Swoop, Flair, even WestJet were in the same game.
  • They didn’t have a big fleet: Fewer planes = fewer flights = slower growth.
  • No backup plan: They tried to find investors, but nothing came through.

In their final announcement, they basically said: “We tried everything. We’re out of time and options.”


🎫 “I Had a Lynx Ticket—Now What?”

If you were booked on a Lynx flight after Feb 26, here’s what you can do (because Lynx isn’t around to help anymore):

  • Refunds? Unfortunately, not from Lynx. But…
    • Try your credit card provider for a chargeback.
    • If you booked through Expedia or another third party, contact them ASAP.
    • If you had travel insurance, file a claim—do it soon.
  • No rebookings: Lynx didn’t partner with other airlines. You’ll have to book a new flight from scratch.
  • Customer service? Also gone. It’s a ghost town.

✈️ Their Last Flight

Lynx’s final flight took off on February 25, 2024. And that was it—after just two years of flying, they were done. No farewell tour, no last hurrah.


🇨🇦 What This Means for Travelers in Canada

Honestly? It sucks. Lynx helped bring flight prices down, even if just a little. And now with one less player, cheap options are even harder to find.

If you’re a student, traveling with kids, or just trying to see your family without going broke—it stings.


✈️ So Who’s Still Flying Cheap?

There are still some budget-friendly options out there. Just be sure to double-check those fees before booking (especially baggage and seat selection).

  • Flair Airlines – Still rolling, still cheap.
  • Swoop – Technically part of WestJet, but offers lower fares.
  • WestJet & Air Canada – Not low-cost, but they do run sales now and then.

🔁 TL;DR Recap

What HappenedLynx Air shut down due to rising costs and no funding.
Last Day of FlightsFebruary 26, 2024
Refunds?Try credit card, OTA, or travel insurance
Still Flying Cheap?Flair, Swoop, occasional deals from big airlines

🔗 Other Helpful Posts


💬 Final Thoughts

Look, it’s never fun watching a budget airline disappear—especially one that helped so many people afford air travel in Canada. Lynx Air gave it a shot. They just couldn’t make it last.

But don’t worry—we’re keeping tabs on the airlines that are still flying and helping you travel smart (and cheap).

Stay tuned, because we’ve got more tips, guides, and honest info coming your way.

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