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The Icelandic airline PLAY has announced its decision to terminate its remaining North American routes, effectively withdrawing from the continent. This move follows the cessation of flights between Keflavik and Washington Dulles in December 2024 and Hamilton, serving Greater Toronto, in April 2025. The carrier has also decreased flight frequencies and transitioned to using Airbus A320neo aircraft after retiring its A321neos.
PLAY's operations in North America have been costly and unprofitable. The airline previously noted that the market is highly seasonal, with an oversupply of capacity and increasing competition leading to lower yields. As a result, PLAY plans to focus on leasing opportunities and Southern European leisure markets, which it says are more successful due to low-frequency point-to-point operations. The airline's Maltese air operator's certificate will facilitate expansion into other regions, with Pristina, Kosovo mentioned as a potential destination.
The last US route operated by PLAY will be from Keflavik to Baltimore on October 24. This route was the airline's inaugural North American service in April 2022. "I have fond memories of being on the first flight," a spokesperson recalled.
