Canadian travellers can experience the excitement of the men’s UEFA Nations League matches in Cardiff, Wales, and Reykjavík, Iceland while exploring two vibrant destinations

Hamilton, ON (April 19, 2024) – As sports travel continues to gain momentum, PLAY airlines is thrilled to announce the launch of a new flight route connecting Canadian soccer enthusiasts to the heart of the action in Cardiff, Wales, and Reykjavík, Iceland. This new route coincides perfectly with the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches between Iceland and Wales, offering fans the opportunity to catch the thrilling matches live at Cardiff City Stadium on October 11, 2024, and at Laugardalsvöllur in Reykjavík on November 19, 2024.

With soccer and multi-sport events emerging as prime motivators for travel, this new route provides an exciting opportunity for Canadians to explore two vibrant destinations while cheering on their favourite teams. The inaugural flight is scheduled for October 10, 2024, with the travel for this new route facilitated through Cardiff Airport in Cardiff, Wales. The final flight will depart on November 20, 2024, ensuring fans can experience both matches without missing a beat.

“We’re thrilled to offer Canadian travellers the chance to experience the thrill of international soccer matches while exploring the picturesque landscapes of Wales and Iceland,” said Einar Örn Ólafsson, CEO, PLAY. “Our aim is to provide seamless and memorable travel experiences, and we believe this route will appeal to both soccer fans and adventure seekers alike.”

In 2024, PLAY flew 142,918 passengers across Europe and North America with an on-time arrival rate of 94 per cent. PLAY’s pay-for-what-you-need model keeps its fares affordable. A personal item is included for the flight, and passengers can choose which upgrades they need for their trip, such as an in-flight meal, carry-on, checked bag, special bags for items such as golf sets, skis, strollers, and musical instruments, seats with extra legroom, cancellation protection and more.

In addition to offering expanded travel options, PLAY airlines is enhancing the flying experience for travellers. Previously, passengers could select from three bundle options—PLAY Basic, PLAY Value, and PLAY Flex—to accommodate their seat selection or additional baggage allowance. With the introduction of PLAY Basic Plus, travellers now have the option to select from four distinct bundles, allowing for a more customizable flying experience tailored to their preferences.

Travellers flying with PLAY airlines will have the opportunity to not only attend the UEFA Nations League matches but also take advantage of the exclusive stayover program launched on January 29. This program allows passengers travelling to and from Cardiff via Iceland to prolong their layover into a multi-day stopover in Iceland for no additional cost, for up to 10 days. This unique offering allows Canadians to explore the wonders of Iceland while en route to Cardiff or during their return journey.

“PLAY is a valued partner, and we are excited to see them expand their services from Hamilton,” said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “This new route enhances connectivity, providing Canadians with convenient, affordable access to even more exciting destinations around the world.”

For more information and to book your tickets, visit flyplay.com.

About PLAY

PLAY is a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, and North America as of 2022. Founded in Reykjavík in 2019 by a management team with significant experience in the aviation industry, the company operates flights on new Airbus A321NEO and A320NEO aircraft, offering streamlined, no-frills service that allows travellers to pay less and “play more.” Safety comes first for PLAY. On-time performance, simplicity, happiness and low prices are the airline’s core principles. The airline seeks to enable passengers to see the world, but not without considering its environmental impact. PLAY is being developed with sustainability initiatives and benchmarks in place to track and reduce fuel consumption, offset carbon emissions, and limit waste. Learn more or book a flight at flyplay.com or follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @PLAYairlines. For media resources, visit PLAY’s online newsroom, flyplay.com/media.

About John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is a growing international gateway for affordable travel and the largest overnight express freight airport in Canada. The Airport is owned by the City of Hamilton and managed under an agreement by TradePort International Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Airport Group – an industry leading investor, developer and manager of airport assets. This allows Hamilton International to incorporate best-in-class practices from around the world into its operations. As an efficient facilitator of cargo and passenger operations, Hamilton International is an economic engine and responsible community partner. Its strategic location and uncongested 24/7 operations make it an attractive option for both passenger and cargo carriers looking to serve the Southern Ontario market.

About UEFA

UEFA – the Union of European Football Associations – is the governing body of European football. It is an association of associations, a representative democracy, and is the umbrella organization for 55 national football associations across Europe. Its objectives are, among other things, to deal with all questions relating to European football, to promote football in a spirit of unity, solidarity, peace, understanding and fair play, without any discrimination on the part of politics, race, religion, gender or any other reason, to safeguard the values of European football, promote and protect ethical standards and good governance in European football, maintain relations with all stakeholders involved in European football, and support and safeguard its member associations for the overall well-being of the European game. Learn more at uefa.com or follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @UEFA. For media resources, visit UEFA’s online newsroom, uefa.com/news-media.

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For more information:

Samiha Fariha
Golin
Cell: 647-268-6687
sfariha@golin.com