Play Airlines Ending Flights To USA

Intro

Back in early 2021, we saw a LCC formed in Iceland, with their main hub being Rekjavik: Play Airlines. When the airline launched, it came in with the model of funneling passengers from points in Europe to the United States at reasonable prices.

Well, as we all could have expected, this doesn't seem to be working out, especially with travel on the downward trend with tourists visiting the USA.

Play Ending US Flights

For some context, Play Airlines currently operates three routes to US destinations at the moment. These are Boston, Baltimore, and New York (Stewart,) utilizing a full A320neo fleet (at the moment).

Well, as of October 2025, all of these routes to the USA will no longer operate, as Play seeks to take its business ventures elsewhere.

Play Airlines A320neo

So, what are the future plans for Play Airlines?

It seems that the airline is planning to go first of all go private, before re-inventing their business model in hopes of turning profitable. At the moment, the plan is the following:

• 4 planes will operate to destinations around mostly Eastern Europe. These will be operated by Play, so the airline will still be operational

• The remaining 6 planes will be leased out to airlines on a wet-lease agreement, while being based in Malta

This is an interesting business model, and I am sure it will remain to be somewhat better financially than serving the USA for the time being. How much better? Only time will tell.

Final Thoughts

One of the few low-cost carriers serving transatlantic routes has decided to pull out of the US market. While this is a shame for those looking to get to Europe cheaply, it makes sense for the airline. The margins are slim when serving the US on these narrowbodies, and the airline is better served focusing on Europe.