Budget Airline Play Abruptly Ceases Operations, Leaving 120,000 Passengers Stranded
Budget airline Play has abruptly ceased operations, leaving approximately 120,000 passengers with forward bookings and around 500 staff unemployed. The last flights operated by the Icelandic carrier took place on Monday, 29 September.
Play was founded in 2019 by executives from Wow Air, another Icelandic budget carrier that went bankrupt in the same year. Despite initial predictions of profitability starting in 2026, the airline has now gone into administration. In 2024, Play reported a loss of approximately $66 million. The board cited poor fiscal performance, underperforming ticket sales, and staff disputes as the primary reasons for the closure.
Play operated point-to-point traffic between Keflavik International airport and destinations in Europe and the US. Passengers affected by the closure have been advised to contact their card issuers for refunds if tickets were booked using credit cards, and to contact travel agents for alternative arrangements with airlines like Delta, American Airlines, or Southwest Airlines.
Play's sudden closure has impacted thousands of passengers and staff. With the airline's operations ceasing, the future of the Icelandic budget travel market remains uncertain.
