WOW airWOW/ WW

WOW air was an Icelandic ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered in Reykjavik that operated from 2012 until its collapse in March 2019. The airline specialized in point-to-point transatlantic flights, primarily connecting Europe and North America through its Reykjavik hub, offering competitive fares on routes that major carriers served at premium prices. WOW air operated a single cabin configuration with basic economy seating and a strict à la carte pricing model where passengers paid separately for baggage, seat selection, and other amenities. The airline was known for its aggressive expansion and marketing tactics, rapidly growing its route network across the Atlantic, but ultimately faced financial difficulties due to fuel price increases, currency fluctuations, and intense competition from low-cost rivals. At its peak, WOW air carried hundreds of thousands of passengers annually on its transatlantic operations before ceasing all flights and filing for insolvency, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.