Everton fans unhappy after Euro flight cancelled
10.09.07
Plans by supporters of Everton Football Club to follow their team to the Ukraine next month are in turmoil after flights from Liverpool Airport were cancelled due to airport runway problems in the Ukraine.
Tour operator Travel Management Group (TMG) has withdrawn its one-day return package to the UEFA Cup first round tie against Metalist Kharkiv, leaving hundreds of fans without flights. The decision was blamed on airport runway problems in the Kharkiv - Ukraine's second-largest city - where the side are due to play their second leg match on Thursday, October 4.
The match is Everton's first European away tie for two years following their unsuccessful campaign in 2005, and a large contingent of fans had been expected to travel to the former Soviet republic. TMG had been offering supporters a one-day return flights package from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, independent of the club and excluding a match ticket, for £356.
However, an email sent by TMG said: 'It is with regret that we are having to cancel the tour to the Ukraine. TMG had chartered a UK-based aircraft to fly into Kharkiv, but unfortunately the airstrip does not comply with stringent UK safety regulations, therefore the carrier has refused to undertake the flight programme.'
'Currently, there are no other aircraft available that can operate into Kharkiv, and therefore it is with regret that we have decided to cancel the tour.' TMG promised supporters that money already paid would be refunded in full, but this will come as little comfort to disappointed fans.
The football club is offering an official travel package of their own. A statement on the club website confirmed a contingent was in Kharkiv finalising travel plans, and would report back to fans today. A spokesman said: 'We are aware of potential problems relating to the airport in Kharkiv, but we will certainly not be scrapping our plans to take supporters to the game. We would, however, warn supporters to be very careful about who they book with, as many aircraft are unsuitable for the runway there.'
Other independent packages are on offer, with some flying from Manchester into Kiev, five hours' drive from Kharkiv. Some supporters are even planning to make the trip by train or fly to Prague and continue the long journey from there.
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