A NEW airline and destination is coming to Cardiff Airport for a limited time only.

Low-cost Icelandic airline PLAY has announced a limited run of flights from October 10 to November 20, 2024, between Cardiff Airport and Iceland’s Keflavik airport, marking the first ever direct flight between the two cities.  

Ticket sales begin today April 18, with the first flight departing on October 10.

Travellers will be able to fly direct to Keflavik, Iceland’s gate to Reykjavik to explore Iceland’s lagoons and glaciers, or choose to connect to PLAY’s four US destinations (New York Stewart, Boston, Baltimore/Washington, Washington Dulles) and Toronto, Canada.

Flights between Cardiff, Wales and Keflavik, Iceland start at just £59 per person one way, with connections to North America flights starting at £179 per person one way.

PLAY will operate two flights per week (Mondays and Fridays) for a six-week duration ending November 20, to coincide with school holidays in Wales.

However, flights will adjust to Thursdays and Sundays during the initial week and Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the last week to accommodate two UEFA Nations League matches between Iceland vs Wales.

Earlier this year, PLAY launched a self-bookable stopover option in Iceland on transatlantic routes to either the US or Canada.

This feature allows travellers to spend up to 10 days in Iceland before getting their connecting flight, at no extra cost.

The airline will operate an Airbus A320neo (180 seats), with the flight time between Iceland and Cardiff just 2 hours and 40 minutes.

South Wales Argus: Play Icelandic AirlinePlay Icelandic Airline (Image: Play)

Einar Örn Ólafsson, PLAY CEO, said: “Our new route from Cardiff to Iceland is the first direct flight between the two destinations.

"Not only does this mark a milestone for PLAY, but also opens up exciting possibilities for customers wanting to travel to the US and Canada at affordable prices.

“Our new Cardiff route is ideal for families seeking to explore all that Iceland has to offer during the school half-term, as well as enthusiastic football fans eager to watch Iceland vs Wales in the upcoming Nations League later this year.”

Learn more about PLAY or book a flight at www.flyplay.com.