PLAY Airlines has launched its inaugural service from Cardiff Wales Airport to Reykjavik, Iceland, marking the first direct connection between the two countries. The low-cost, seasonal route is expected to boost tourism and economic ties between Wales and Iceland.
PLAY, the low-cost Icelandic carrier, will now operate direct flights between Wales and Iceland. The airline will serviced the new route with its Airbus A320neo fleet.
Inaugural Reykjavik-Cardiff Service
The first PLAY Airlines flight from Cardiff was greeted with a traditional water salute and a warm welcome from airport officials. The airline treated passengers on board to a taste of Iceland with a selection of local delicacies. This included the iconic Icelandic licorice and Aurora Borealis cake.
PLAY will operate the new Cardiff-Reykjavik service with its Airbus A320neo fleet. This is one of the world’s most environmentally friendly airplanes, offering significant fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions.
The twice-weekly service provides a direct connection between Cardiff and Reykjavik. This will allow Welsh travelers to experience the breathtaking landscapes, geothermal wonders, and rich cultural heritage of Iceland. From the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon to the Northern Lights and glaciers, there’s something for everyone to discover.
For those looking to explore even further, PLAY Airlines also offers free stopovers in Iceland for customers connecting to North American destinations.
This unique opportunity allows travelers to combine a visit to Iceland with a trip to the United States or Canada, creating a truly unforgettable adventure.
Boosting Tourism and Economy
The launch of PLAY Airlines’ Cardiff service is a significant boost for both tourism and economic ties between Wales and Iceland. It opens up new markets for Welsh businesses and provides a much-needed connection for leisure and business travelers.
Lee Smith, Cardiff Wales Airport’s Head of Business Development, expressed is pleasure with the new route. “We are thrilled to welcome PLAY Airlines to Cardiff. This direct service will provide our passengers with a convenient and affordable way to travel to Iceland and beyond.”
“We look forward to working with PLAY to grow this route and attract even more visitors to Wales,” he concluded.
Cardiff Wales Airport
As the national airport for Wales, Cardiff Wales Airport plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. It facilitates over 4,000 jobs in Wales and generates more than £200 million in annual economic benefits
Cardiff and St Athan Airports recently won the 2024 Airports UK’s Medium Sized Airport Health & Safety Award. The accolade highlighted their commitment to passenger and staff well-being.
16 airlines make regular use of its facilities and 34 direct routes are on sale. Highlights include:
- KLM is connecting Wales to 155 global destinations via Amsterdam
- TUI has 25 direct routes on sale including Barbados, Mexico and Chambéry
- Ryanair is flying to Alicante, Tenerife, Faro, Malaga, and Dublin
The arrival of PLAY Airlines at Cardiff Wales Airport marks a further development for Welsh travelers and the local economy.
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