HAMILTON — PLAY’s new service connecting Hamilton Airport (YHM) to Keflavik (KEF) and many European destinations beyond Iceland has taken flight.

The low-cost carrier, based in Iceland, took off from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport to Keflavik International Airport on its inaugural flight from YHM on June 22. The new daily service marks PLAY’s first gateway into Canada, and its fifth route in North America, joining New York, Washington, Boston and Baltimore.

PLAY pays commission to Canadian travel agents, offering 5% net rates on individual bookings made through its travel agent portal.

Travelweek was aboard the June 22 inaugural flight, experiencing firsthand the service aboard this new route.

PLAY’s inaugural flight from Hamilton to Reykjavik, June 22, 2023

Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik

5% COMMISSION ON NET RATES

With 167 passengers for the inaugural, the load factor was a strong 96%. PLAY executives along with Hamilton city councillors Tammy Hwang and Mark Tadeson attended the ribbon-cutting event at the airport to commemorate the first flight, with the plane being greeted by a water cannon salute when it arrived at YHM.

Flying out of Hamilton Airport felt less daunting than dealing with Toronto Pearson. Onboard the flight was relatively comfortable, and made all the more pleasant by PLAY’s friendly, welcoming and attentive crew.

The flight extends the Icelandic experience from the get-go, with traditional Icelandic treats available to sample before even reaching the destination. The fleet is new, so the plane is very clean, which adds to the onboard comfort as does PLAY’s decor designs.

“We have invested significant effort into launching this destination, and I am immensely proud to witness the hard work of my PLAY colleagues coming to fruition. Wherever we operate, we strive to provide the most competitive prices. By challenging the competition in the Toronto area, we aim to benefit the residents of the area by offering an affordable means of travel to Iceland and beyond into Europe,” said Birgir Jónsson, CEO, PLAY.

The convenience for southern Ontario travellers to have this new option to reach the can’t-miss destination of Iceland, and beyond into Europe, can’t be beat. Operating flights between North America and Europe, PLAY passengers can reach Iceland (KEF) along with Amsterdam (AMS), Berlin (BER), Copenhagen (CPH), Stockholm (ARN), London (STN) and Dublin (DUB). By leveraging Iceland as a hub, the airline is able to provide affordable flights between the two continents.

In May 2023 PLAY reported its highest-ever passenger number in a single month, with a load factor of 85%. And 87.3% of PLAY’s flights arrived on schedule in that same month.

For PLAY’s 5% commission on net rates for individual bookings – when booking through the travel agent portal – a login can be requested by emailing agents@flyplay.com.

The inaugural flight included a quick turnaround in Iceland but there was time for a hotel stay, at the Grandi by Center Hotels, a well-appointed, modern yet cozy option conveniently located in downtown Reykjavik.

To learn more, visit flyplay.com.

Guest room at Grandi by Center Hotels, Reykjavik