Liverpool fans left stranded after flights confusion

About 35 Liverpool football fans were left stranded at Stansted Airport today following confusion over flight times, a tour operator said.

A flight operated by Thomas Cook Sport and Triangle Sports and Events had been due to leave the Essex airport at 7am but was brought forward to leave at 4.15am.

About 150 fans boarded the flight to Athens in Greece for tonight’s Champions League final clash between Liverpool and Italian side AC Milan, but Thomas Cook Sport said about 35 failed to arrive on time.

“Thomas Cook Sport and Triangle Sports and Events are sorry a small number of its customers who had booked with them for the Champions League final in Athens missed their flight.

“The company issued approximate flight times on bookings clearly stating the confirmed times would be on final itineraries. These final itineraries were sent on email on Monday once times were confirmed by Athens Airport.

“At this time every effort is being made to get the small number of customers to Athens in time for the match tonight. Some of the fans have made alternative travel arrangements. For those remaining passengers we have arranged flights for them from Heathrow Airport this afternoon.”

The spokeswoman said an investigation had been launched after some fans said they had not received an email informing them of the flight time change.