Iceland's discount operator will operate its last U.S. flights on October 24.
Play, which one Started operations in the United States in April 2022by then, there was only one American route, Baltimore-Reykjavik. Boston-Rikavik services will cease on September 15. On September 1, Cirium Flight Supper Atchan Shope shows a flight connecting Reykjavik to Stewart, New York (70 miles north of Manhattan).
Play as CEO Einar Orafsson. Image source: Play
Play's U.S. service peaked in summers in 2023 and 2024, with flights on these three routes daily, as well as Iceland Capital's daily Washington Dulles service. The airline sells these flights as a peer-to-peer service and a one-stop connection between the U.S. and large Nordic destinations.
However, Play announced last fall that it will reduce its services to North America and Nordic, focusing on a better performing route to Southern Europe. The race this month only flew 76 U.S. frequencies, down one-third from last year. Play has also stopped serving its lonely Canadian route Hamilton, Ontario, which was previously used as frequently as it is every day.
In early June, Play announced that it would need more changes, including stopping US flights and fewer Nordic destinations.
Playing CEO Einar Orafsson and vice chairman Elias Skuli Skulason intends to buy the carrier’s shares, turn it into a private company and stand out from the Nasdaq Nordic Exchange.
The airline plans to lease six of its Airbus narrow aircraft and operate four more primarily between Iceland and Southern Europe.
