PLAY Airlines is leaving Canada after just two years
After two years, PLAY Airlines is ending its service from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport as of April 22, 2025.
In a statement to Travel Press Today, PLAY spokesperson, Birgir Olgeirsson explained: “The reason behind this is that we announced a strategic shift in our business plan last fall. PLAY operates on a hub-and-spoke model, connecting passengers between Europe and North America via Iceland. As part of this strategy, we chose to place greater emphasis on leisure destinations in Southern Europe.”
Olgeirsson continued: “As a result, the frequency of North American flights was adjusted to align with the updated focus, leading to the cancellation of our YHM operations. This decision was also influenced by an increase in capacity within the transatlantic market, which impacted the demand and yields for connecting flights. These factors prompted a realignment of our resources to better match market conditions.”
And Olgeirsson added that PLAY is “contacting passengers about this change and offering them the option of a refund, a voucher with extra value, or rebooking to another destination within PLAY’s schedule.”
PLAY has provided 4 to 7 flights per week from Hamilton International, with direct flights to Reykjavík, Iceland and connections to over 35 destinations across Europe.
In an emailed statement to TPT, the YHM said: “While we are disappointed with this decision, we remain confident in the future of Hamilton International.”
The airport’s statement continued: “The Airport’s new 49-year lease signed with the City of Hamilton last Fall, in combination with strong cargo operations, growing land development opportunities and a large catchment area of passengers who want to choose Hamilton International for their travels, position the Airport well for future growth.”
PLAY continues to offer convenient and affordable flights out of Baltimore, Boston, and New York in the United States, connecting passengers to exciting destinations in Europe.
