انهيار مفاجئ لشركة طيران آيسلندية يترك آلاف الركاب عالقين

Thousands of travelers were shocked after the low-cost airline Play announced its immediate cessation of operations and the cancellation of all its flights, leaving around 1,750 passengers stranded at Keflavik Airport and many others waiting for their upcoming flights.

Double Collapse

Play was founded in 2021 with the aim of filling the gap left by the collapse of the previous low-cost airline WOW Air in 2019. It offered flights between Reykjavik and several cities in Europe, Canada, and the United States, serving over 1.6 million passengers last year, with a fleet of 10 aircraft and 42 destinations.

Confusing Halt

The company suddenly ceased operations, canceling flights to major destinations such as Baltimore, Barcelona, and Lisbon, in addition to return flights to Reykjavik from Paris, London, and Copenhagen. A spokesperson for Keflavik Airport reported that the airport immediately began implementing its emergency plan, providing assistance to affected travelers according to the instructions of the Icelandic Transport Authority.

The company indicated that passengers who purchased their tickets via credit cards could contact their card issuer for refunds. It also advised looking for alternatives through other airlines, as some companies may offer special discounts for stranded passengers.

Financial Challenges

Play faced increasing financial challenges recently, including reduced demand, negative impacts from currency fluctuations, and the prolonged grounding of one of its aircraft due to engine maintenance. In its latest financial results, the company revealed that its losses reached $31 million before interest and taxes last year, putting it in a critical financial position.

Despite previous optimistic statements from the company's CEO Einar Orn Olafsson about improving the situation by focusing on tourist destinations, this sudden move has drawn the curtain on Play 's experience in the low-cost airline sector in Iceland.