Published 15:43 IST, November 2nd 2019
Man Utd offer fans free flight to Astana after Thomas Cook collapse
Manchester United will arrange free flight for fans to Astana for the Europa League match following the collapse of the club's travel partner, Thomas Cook.
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Premier League heavyweight Manchester United will arrange a free flight to UEFA Europa League fixture in Astana for fans whose plans were disrupted by the collapse of the UK travel giant Thomas Cook in late September. The club will invite supporters who have proof of booking with Thomas Cook to travel free of charge. Along with other Premier League clubs, Thomas Cook Sports had been travel partners with Manchester United. They had pre-sold a small number of tickets and hospitality packages for a number of home matches this season, along with travel packages for the Astana UEFA Europa League away leg.
Manchester United looking for long-term travel options
Manchester United's chief spokesperson informed media outlets on Friday that the club is working on a range of contingency plans to minimise the impact of Thomas Cook's bankruptcy on their supporters. Beyond the Astana fixture, they are also investigating long-term options to facilitate European travel for its loyal fans.
Other clubs who had partnered Thomas Cook include Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Manchester City have assigned alternative suppliers and the club believes that none of their fans have been affected for the upcoming Champions League trips to Atalanta and Zagreb.
Liverpool also said they have partnered with an alternative firm to travel in Europe and they would ensure that fans who had booked tickets for home games at Anfield would be issued with replacements. Chelsea covered the costs for fans who had packages for their trip to Lille last month. The Red Devils will travel to Kazakhstan on November 28. However, a number of supporters lost their opportunity to travel for the match due to the collapse of the travel group in September 2019.
Thomas Cook did not charge fans for Champions League away games at Ajax or Valencia.
09:05 IST, November 2nd 2019