Thousands of passengers stranded after PLAY Airlines halts operations overnight.
Reykjavik, September 29 — Icelandic low-cost carrier PLAY Airlines has announced the immediate suspension of all flights and operations, citing ongoing financial difficulties and weak ticket sales. The move is expected to affect around 400 employees, who will lose their jobs as a result.
Founded in 2021 as the successor to the defunct WOW Air, PLAY had already undergone significant restructuring in recent years. In the autumn of 2024, the airline pivoted its strategy, reducing transatlantic services to the United States and concentrating instead on routes within Europe and the Canary Islands.
In line with the restructuring, many operational and administrative functions were gradually shifted to a Maltese subsidiary, with additional support from offices in Malta and Lithuania.
PLAY’s fleet at the time of suspension included six Airbus A320neo and four Airbus A321neo aircraft, all configured for short- and medium-haul flights.
“We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes and thank you for your understanding”
the airline said in a statement on its website
The sudden shutdown ends a four-year effort to reestablish an Icelandic budget carrier linking Europe and North America.
