Canada Jetlines Bankrupt: TICO Offers Closure Advisory

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) issued a closure advisory today (Sept. 18) in response to Canada Jetlines’ closure.

The Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier ceased operations Aug. 15, grounding all flights due to ongoing financing struggles. On Sept. 11, the airline declared bankruptcy, revealing it owes creditors $11.8 million (CAD) (via ch-aviation). The same day, Canada Jetlines Vacations — the company’s travel retailer and tour operator — terminated its TICO registrations.

Jetlines appointed BDO Canada as the Licensed Insolvency Trustee, and Dentons Canada LLP will continue to serve as the company’s legal council.

TICO Canada Jetlines closure advisory

TICO has issued a closure advisory for Ontario-based customers and travel agencies seeking refunds:

“TICO had previously received confirmation that Canada Jetlines Vacations had cancelled all future vacation package bookings (hotel and airfare) and issued refunds to affected consumers. If you had a future package booking with Canada Jetlines Vacations, please monitor your credit card statement for the refund. This applies to packages purchased either from Canada Jetlines Vacations directly or through a TICO-registered travel agency or website.

If you had an upcoming Canada Jetlines Vacations booking that was cancelled and you have not received a refund, please contact TICO at 1-888-451-8426 or (905) 624-6241 or tico@tico.ca.

Alternatively, consumers who have not received a refund for their Canada Jetlines Vacations booking may request a claim form at this link or by contacting TICO at 1-888-451-8426 or (905) 624-6241 or tico@tico.ca.”

Consumers may request a claim form on TICO’s website or by contacting TICO at 1-888-451-8426 or tico@tico.ca.

Who is eligible for TICO’s Compensation Fund

Costumers who purchased airfare only and who did not receive a refund may be able to make a claim against TICO’s Compensation Fund; however, any customers who bought directly from Canada Jetlines are not eligible.

TICO is a provincially mandated consumer protection agency for the travel industry. Because its jurisdiction is limited to Ontario, only customers who booked travel through a TICO-registered travel retailer are eligible for reimbursement through the Compensation Fund.

Ontario residents who purchased travel through a travel agency outside of Ontario are also ineligible to make a claim.

Claimants are required by Ontario legislation to explore all other possible options for reimbursement before making a claim against the Compensation Fund. This includes through credit cards (chargebacks), travel insurance, or through BDO Canada Limited.

The filing deadline for Compensation Fund claims is March 12, 2025. Claims received after this date will not be valid.

TICO is advising claimants to file claims with the Compensation Fund at the same time as BDO to ensure one doesn’t miss the filing deadline. More information on filing a claim with the Trustee is available on BDO’s website.