Budget Airline PLAY Ceases Operations and Cancels All Flights
PLAY, a budget airline based in Iceland, recently announced that it has ceased operations and all flights have been cancelled. This comes as a surprise to many, as the airline had only started running flights to Glasgow in 2023. In a statement on their website, PLAY expressed their deep apologies to their customers for the inconvenience caused by this sudden shutdown.
The airline advised its customers to check for alternative flights with other carriers and also mentioned the possibility of “rescue fares” being offered by some airlines under the current circumstances. They further stated that customers who had purchased tickets with a credit card should contact their card issuer for refunds. For those who had booked a package including flights and accommodation through a travel agency in the EEA, they were advised to reach out to the respective travel agent for assistance.
PLAY also informed their customers about their rights regarding refunds and compensation under EU Air Passenger regulations. They clarified that in case of bankruptcy, claims should be directed to the appointed administrator. The airline stopped operating flights from Glasgow in early 2024, leaving many travellers disappointed.
During the launch of their Glasgow routes, PLAY CEO Birgir Jonsson had expressed excitement about the airline’s potential to cater to the demand for affordable travel between Scotland and Iceland. He had highlighted the convenience of flying direct to Keflavik for those looking to explore Iceland or connecting to one of their four US destinations: New York Stewart, Boston, Baltimore/Washington, Washington Dulles, or Toronto in Canada.
PLAY’s sudden shutdown has left many questions unanswered, including the reason behind their failure and the impact it will have on the aviation industry in Iceland. The airline’s focus on providing budget-friendly options for travellers, especially during a time of economic uncertainty, was a significant factor in attracting customers. However, it seems that the challenges of running a low-cost airline in a highly competitive market proved to be too much for PLAY.
In conclusion, PLAY’s announcement of ceasing operations and cancelling all flights has caused significant disruptions for their customers. The airline’s sudden shutdown has raised concerns about the future of budget airlines in the aviation industry. For now, customers are left to make alternative travel arrangements, while the reasons behind PLAY’s failure remain unknown.