PLAY, the innovative low-cost airline known for its budget-friendly flights between Iceland and Europe, has some interesting news for Canadian travelers. The airline is set to introduce a new flight route connecting Hamilton, Ontario, with the picturesque city of Faro in Portugal. The service will include a convenient stopover in Iceland.
This latest network addition furthers PLAY’s mission to make European travel more accessible and affordable for North American passengers.
Hamiltion-Faro Route Details
Tickets for this new route are now available for purchase, with the inaugural flight scheduled to take off on April 12, 2025.
The service will operate twice weekly, with flights departing every Saturday and Wednesday until October 29, 2025. This schedule allows for flexible travel plans, catering to both weekend getaways and extended vacations.
Einar Örn Ólafsson, CEO of PLAY, offered comments on the new route: “We’re excited to offer Canadians the opportunity to experience the warmth and beauty of Portugal’s stunning southern coast. Faro, with its captivating beaches, rich history, and lively culture, is now more accessible than ever thanks to our affordable flights.”
Canadian travelers departing from Hamilton International Airport can look forward to competitive fares. Roundtrip flights to Faro via Iceland start at just $650 CAD, making European travel a reality for many who may have previously found it out of reach.
This pricing strategy aligns with PLAY’s core mission of making international travel more accessible to a broader audience.
The PLAY Experience
PLAY distinguishes itself in the competitive airline industry by offering a streamlined, no-frills service. By eliminating costly features such as in-flight magazines, Wi-Fi, and entertainment systems, PLAY can pass on significant savings to its passengers.
This approach allows travelers to allocate more of their budget to experiences at their destination, rather than paying for extras during the flight.
Despite its budget-friendly approach, PLAY doesn’t compromise on comfort or reliability. The airline operates a modern fleet of 10 Airbus A320/321neo aircraft, with an average age of just over 2 years. PLAY’s commitment to punctuality is also evident in its impressive 85.5% on-time performance in 2024.
Exploring Iceland: Stopover Opportunity
One of the most exciting aspects of flying with PLAY is the opportunity to turn your layover in Iceland into an adventure of its own.
Passengers can extend their stopover for up to 10 days at no additional airfare cost, allowing them to explore the wonders of Iceland before continuing their journey across the Atlantic.
Iceland offers a wealth of natural wonders just a few hours from Reykjavik, the vibrant capital city. Travelers can marvel at thundering waterfalls, walk on ancient glaciers, witness erupting geysers, and observe extraordinary wildlife. For those interested in urban experiences, Reykjavik boasts a rich culture, diverse culinary scene, and lively nightlife.
Growing Network and Passenger Base
Since its inaugural flight in June 2021, PLAY has experienced rapid growth and success. The airline now serves nearly 40 destinations across Europe and North America, having flown over a million passengers since its launch.
This expansion to Faro further solidifies PLAY’s position as a key player in the transatlantic travel market.
Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, shared his enthusiasm for the new route. “We’re thrilled to see PLAY expand its network with the addition of Faro, Portugal.”
“This new service, combined with the unique opportunity to explore Iceland, provides Southern Ontario travelers with more options and flexibility. PLAY’s commitment to enhancing travel choices aligns perfectly with our goal of offering diverse and convenient connections for our passengers.”
The new route between Hamilton and Faro opens up a world of possibilities for Canadian travelers eager to explore the beauty of Portugal.
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