Play adds Washington DC gateway to transatlantic network

The gateway to Washington DC is to be added as the fourth US route served by Icelandic budget carrier Play.

The airline plans to serve Dulles International airport from next April with connections flights via Reykjavik from Stansted and Dublin. 

Play already operates to Baltimore/Washington International airport, so will provide two options access to the US capital.

Lead-in one-way fares from Stansted to Dulles are available at £169 for early bookings made by Friday (August 26) or travel between April 26 and June 15, 2023. Standard rates will then lead in at £199.

The new route announcement follows Play’s first full summer of transatlantic services with almost 110,000 passengers flown.

The expansion follows the carrier projecting its first operating profit later this year after reporting a second quarter loss of $14.4 million.

Chief executive Birgir Jonsson said: “We pride ourselves on routes that allow travellers to pay less and play more while in destination. 

“From autumn 2022, Dulles International airport will be connected to Washington DC via the Silver Line of the Washington Metro, which will allow passengers to reach DC within 50 minutes for just $6.

“Dulles International is perfect for British and Irish travellers after a budget getaway to the capital.”

Paul Bobson, airline business development vice president for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, added: “As the international gateway to the Washington DC capital region, Dulles International is committed to offering a wide variety of airline products for our local community to access global travel. 

“As a low-cost airline operating flights to Iceland and the rest of Europe, Play will add significant capacity in the low-cost international market segment.”