Main image credit: Gantas Vaičiulėnas

Icelandic low-cost carrier PLAY Airlines has ceased operations with immediate effect, and has cancelled all flights from the UK and across its network.

The airline, which operated routes from London Stansted and Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Reykjavik, announced the shutdown on its website and urged passengers not to travel to the airport, as “no further flights will depart”.

A statement on PLAY’s website said: “All flights of the company have been cancelled. We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes and thank you for your understanding.” It is urging passengers to contact their travel agent to claim a refund.

Andrew McConnell, spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said: “It’s always unfortunate when an airline ceases operations, and we understand that PLAY Airlines’ decision will be unsettling for its employees and customers. UK customers seeking the latest information are advised to visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.”

UK travellers will be left with fewer direct low-cost options to Iceland, but there are still alternative routes that agents can rebook clients on to.

For budget options, Wizz Air UK flies from London Luton to Reykjavik, while easyJet operates seasonal services from multiple UK airports including London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol to the Icelandic capital.

Icelandair continues to operate scheduled services from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow to Reykjavik, as does UK flagship carrier British Airways, which operates from London Heathrow.

Norwegian, SAS and Finnair can connect UK passengers into Reykjavik via Nordic hubs.