Montreal ? Discount Canadian airline Jetsgo announced Friday that all its flights had been canceled while it seeks bankruptcy protection, stranding an estimated 17,000 passengers, many of whom were heading out on their long-awaited spring break.

Jetsgo advised customers to make alternative arrangements before heading to the airport since there would be no Jetsgo staff or planes available while the airline seeks bankruptcy-court protection. Travelers who are already away were told their return tickets were no good and to make other arrangements to get back home.

Ten-year-old Rebecca Palermo sits Friday in the baggage check that was assigned to discount Canadian airline Jetsgo at Pearson's Airport in Toronto, Canada. Jetsgo sought bankruptcy court protection and abruptly canceled all its flights Friday. The move stranded an estimated 17,000 passengers, including Palermo and her father, who were to have traveled to Los Angeles.

“Obviously this is one of the worst times it could have happened because of the March break,” said Jean Lapierre, federal transportation minister, who urged other airlines and the national train system to try to add more capacity to move some 17,000 stranded passengers.

The privately-held company issued the stunning announcement shortly after midnight Friday. It is asking Quebec Superior Court to grant it protection from creditors.

The shutdown comes at the start of March break for many school systems across Canada, when hordes of families flock to Florida, Mexico and other hot spots served by the airline in one of the busiest travel times of the year.

Jetsgo said that difficult market conditions and competitive pressures led the company to discontinue operations and ground all of its planes.

Jetsgo had at least 18 flights scheduled to leave Toronto’s Pearson’s Airport on Friday morning.