EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL:DUBLIN AIRPORT is expecting one of the biggest logistical operations in its history next Wednesday to coincide with the Europa League final.
At least 60 charter flights will land and take off with most fans for the match opting not to stay overnight in Dublin. Residents surrounding the airport have been told to expect flights up until 4am, especially if the game goes to extra time.
The match is effectively a derby between Porto and their neighbours Braga. Porto has sold its allocation of 12,000 tickets and wants more. Braga, a smaller club, has sent back some of its allocation and is expected to bring 4,000 to 5,000 fans. The organisers maintain the final – at the Aviva Stadium (renamed Dublin Arena for the day) – will be a sell-out. Some 10,000 neutrals are expected to travel to Dublin for the game from abroad.
Dublin Airport spokeswoman Siobhan Moore said it had planning for up to 100 flights. “The worse case scenario is that they will go into extra time and penalties because most of the charters are coming in and out on the same day,” she said. “We have had bigger passenger numbers on other days, but it will be a massive operation, especially finding slots for all the flights. We’re mindful that our own scheduled operation will start at 6am. It will be tight.”
