PLAY Airlines to End All North American Flights, Including BWI Route

Icelandic budget airline PLAY is pulling out of the North American market and will end all flights to the U.S. and Canada, including its service to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), by the end of October.

Jonathan Dean, director of communications for BWI, confirmed Friday that the airport will be the final North American stop for PLAY before the airline discontinues operations in the region.

PLAY entered the aviation scene in 2021 and launched its BWI route in 2022, offering affordable flights to Iceland with connections across Europe. The airline gained attention for its low-cost model, but financial challenges have forced a major pivot. After posting disappointing earnings in October 2024, PLAY announced plans to scale back its routes and shift focus.

On Monday, the company revealed that its two largest shareholders are taking over the business, prompting further changes — most notably, the decision to end all North American flights. CEO Einar Örn Ólafsson said in a press release that the airline will now concentrate on more profitable sun-destination routes.

Despite the setback for PLAY, international travel continues to thrive at BWI. The airport has seen a steady rise in international passengers in recent years and remains one of the busiest airports in the Washington, D.C., area. It also has a significant economic footprint, contributing roughly $11 billion to Maryland’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs.

Southwest Airlines remains BWI’s largest carrier, accounting for nearly 70% of passenger traffic. Earlier this year, the airline partnered with Icelandair, allowing customers to book trips to Iceland through BWI. Icelandair will continue to operate daily nonstop flights to Reykjavik from the airport.