Icelandic airline Play ceases operations

Icelandic low-cost carrier Play has abruptly ceased operations with all flights cancelled.

The airline posted a message on its website to advise of the move, adding: “We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes and thank you for your understanding.”

The statement said: “Fly PLAY hf. has ceased operations, and all flights have been cancelled.

“We kindly advise you to check flights with other airlines. Some carriers may offer special “rescue fares” considering the circumstances.”

The airline advised customers who were booked to travel to contact their credit card provider or travel agent for assistance.

It added: “Some rights may also apply under EU Air Passenger regulations. In case of bankruptcy, claims should be directed to the appointed administrator.”

Play operated its first flights in June 2021 in an attempt to fill a gap left by WOW Air, which also failed.

In June this year it announced plans to drop all transatlantic routes in a major retrenchment.

The airline confirmed that all north Atlantic services would cease from October, while other points in northern Europe served from Iceland would be reduced.

The restructure involved a reduction in its fleet from 10 to four, with plans for six aircraft to be leased out and the remainder to mainly serve “sunny destinations”.

In a statement, the carrier blamed a range of factors, including poor ticket sales in recent months and "negative media coverage of its operations".