Irish fans fuel 69% surge in airline spending after World Cup draw, AIB data shows

AIB data shows a 69% jump in flight spending as Irish fans rush to book Prague trips after the World Cup playoff draw

Card spending also surged at home and abroad during Ireland's game against Hungary. Picture: Ryan Byrne

Ireland football fans drove a surge in airline spending in the immediate aftermath of the Fifa draw last Thursday as they rushed to book flights for the World Cup playoff match against Czechia.

Card spending data from AIB shows spending by its customers on flights increased by 69% to €250,000 between 1pm and 2pm on November 20. Airlines Ryanair and Aer Lingus have added extra flights, with fares rising above usual rates given the demand from fans.