Airports

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Celebrates New Low-Fare International Service from PLAY Airlines

April 21, 2022

First North American market for PLAY, with service to Iceland and beyond.

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Executive Director Ricky Smith (right) joined PLAY CEO Birgir Jónsson (second from right) and the airline flight crew to celebrate the first PLAY flight between BWI Marshall Airport and Reykjavik, Iceland.

Maryland officials on April 20 welcomed PLAY Airlines and the start of its new international service between Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Reykjavik, Iceland. The airline will operate daily nonstop service between BWI Marshall and Iceland, with convenient connections to more than 20 cities across Europe. BWI Marshall Airport is the first North American destination for PLAY.

“The addition of PLAY airline to the lineup at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport shows the growing interest in international travel, and Maryland’s growing popularity as a gateway for business and leisure customers,” said Gov. Larry Hogan.

PLAY is a new Icelandic low-cost airline that began operations in June 2021. The carrier utilizes efficient Airbus A320neo family aircraft for the new service between BWI Marshall and Iceland.

“We welcome PLAY and celebrate this new international service, which marks another important milestone as we continue to recover from the pandemic,” said Ricky Smith, executive director of BWI Marshall Airport. “The addition of PLAY enhances our international offerings and will provide more low fare options for our passengers.”

“PLAY’s choice to partner with BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to serve customers in the United States is a great decision for the company, for Maryland and for travelers,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. “BWI Marshall has an outstanding reputation for high quality service and facilities, and these new flights will provide additional choices and possibilities.”

Passenger traffic continues to rebound at BWI Marshall Airport, reaching 18.8 million passengers in 2021, an increase of 68% compared to the previous year. Cargo shipments at BWI Marshall grew to more than 618 million pounds in 2021, a new annual record. In 2022, passenger traffic is expected to further increase as more international and domestic routes are added. Several major capital projects are now underway that will support airline service and enhance the travel experience for airport customers.