THOUSANDS of Aston Villa fans have been left stranded in Bologna after airport strikes led to mass flight cancellations out of Italy.
Some 2,500 Villa supporters travelled to Bologna to watch their side earn a 3-1 advantage ahead of next week’s Europa League quarter-final second leg at Villa Park.
But for many, their route home has been cancelled after Italian air traffic staff announced a nationwide four-hour strike between 1pm and 5pm, coinciding with fuel shortages.
That decision led to cancellations for most of the direct flights back to the UK, with any flights outside of the strike times quickly selling out.
For many fans, that means staying in Bologna for longer with some of the next available direct returns to the UK not until Sunday.
Others had to opt for expensive rerouting and connecting flights via other countries.
In total, some 18 FLIGHTS were cancelled in the four-hour strike period.
Villa supporters will still be in good spirits despite the delays, after their side took a huge step towards the Europa League semi-finals last night.
An Ollie Watkins double and a Ezri Konsa header proved the difference as Unai Emery’s side showed their European pedigree against Bologna.
The Villans will welcome Bologna to Birmingham next Thursday and now look strong favourites to advance into the last four.
Fans will be hoping they can return to the UK in time for another important game for Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
Emery’s side travel to the City Ground to take on relegation scrapping Nottingham Forest as they continue their quest to secure a Champions League place via the league.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
