PLAY Airlines sees 5% passenger growth in April amid strategic shift to leisure markets

PLAY Airlines carried 128,119 passengers in April 2025, up 5% from April 2024, reflecting strong demand across core markets and a targeted expansion into leisure-oriented destinations ahead of the summer season.

The load factor for the month was 82.6%, slightly below the 85.1% reported in April 2024. This decline is tied to the airline’s strategic pivot toward more point-to-point leisure travel, which typically yields lower load factors but higher profitability.

The share of Iceland-originating passengers increased to 36.9% (from 30.0%) while the inbound share rose to 31.8% (from 27.0%). Meanwhile, VIA traffic—connecting passengers using Iceland as a transit hub—dropped to 31.3%, down from 43.0% a year earlier, signalling a growing emphasis on direct traffic and tourism.

Operationally, PLAY delivered strong on-time performance, with 92.7% of flights arriving on schedule, up from 89.4% in April 2024. Forward bookings and unit revenue for summer are trending above 2024 levels, with demand to and from Iceland showing especially strong momentum.

New summer routes to Antalya and Faro are expected to reinforce PLAY’s position in the expanding leisure market.

CEO Einar Örn Ólafsson commented:

“Our shift toward leisure destinations is already paying off. While these routes may see slightly lower load factors, they’re more profitable. With robust forward bookings and excellent punctuality, we’re well positioned for a successful summer season.”