UPDATED: Officials with the Calgary-based ultra low cost carrier Lynx Air announced Thursday evening that it is ceasing operations, effective at 12:01 a.m. MT on Feb. 26, 2024, after filing for creditor protection. Lynx Air has advised passengers with existing bookings to contact their credit card company to secure refunds for pre-booked travel.

A statement issued by WestJet also acknowledged the immediate impact the news will have on passengers and employees.

WestJet went on to say that it was ready to help mitigate some of the arising issues. That includes offering discounted fares for stranded domestic travellers and capping fares for Canadian repatriation flights, on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx.

Beyond the immediate impact to be felt by travellers, the Airline Pilots Association International says 160 pilots and flight crew will be affected.

Duncan Dee, the former chief operating officer at Air Canada, issued a statement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, calling it a “very sad day for Canada’s airline community” and the communities Lynx served.

UPDATE: 10.30

Toronto’s Pearson International Airport reports passengers flying on Lynx Air were able to check in and flights were departing as scheduled this morning.

WestJet is going to offer discounted fares for stranded domestic travellers and cap fares for out-of-country flights on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx.

It says it is communicating closely with government officials and supporting agencies that are also working to address the needs of affected Lynx passengers.