Disaster for footy fans who ‘paid up to $900’ for flight to see their team’s finals clash as they’re left stranded at airport

Desperate Port Adelaide footy supporters are facing a mad dash to Sydney for the preliminary final AFL clash on Friday after their Qantas flight was cancelled.

The airline has confirmed that QF734 from Adelaide to Sydney was grounded due to an engineering issue. It has been scheduled to depart at 10am Adelaide time.

It was a disastrous outcome for Port Adelaide supporters who had been forced to pay huge amounts for tickets because of sky-high demand.

Thousands of footy fans are traveling from Adelaide to Sydney, with the SCG sold out. 

Not only are footy fans trying to move en masse across the country, but the finals have also clashed with school holidays across Australia. 

‘Disaster at Adelaide Airport this morning as punters who paid $900+ to get to the Preliminary Final have had their flight cancelled,’ ABC Sport broadcaster Aaron Bryans posted on Friday.

‘A shocker for how much they were charged,’ a follower replied.

‘9 hours by road it can be done,’ suggested another. 

Thousands of Port Adelaide supporters have been travelling from Adelaide to Sydney this week (pictured) after paying top dollar because of sky-high demand

Qantas is now scrambling to get all stranded passengers to Sydney.

Stranded fans received food vouchers, and the airline is working to reroute passengers through alternative airports to reach Sydney. 

‘All customers have been reaccommodated onto the earliest possible services into Sydney, with some passengers travelling to Sydney via Canberra and Melbourne,’ the airline confirmed.

‘Majority of customers impacted are due to arrive into Sydney before 3.30pm, with the remaining customers arriving by 6.45pm.

Kick off is at 7.40pm at the SCG. 

A Qantas flight was set to leave Adelaide for Sydney at 11am. Meanwhile, a Virgin flight was scheduled to depart at 11:25am, followed by a Jetstar flight at 12pm, all heading to Sydney. 

Qantas said that an engineering issue was responsible for the cancellation and new flights were being arranged for passengers (stock image)

The setback will have left some Power fans panicking about how they’ll make it to the SCG in time for the game (pictured, supporters with Port star Charlie Dixon)

‘We understand this disruption is frustrating and apologise to passengers the inconvenience,’ a Qantas spokesperson said.

‘Our teams have worked hard to get footy fans on their way as soon as possible and all customers impacted are due to arrive into Sydney in time for the game.’

The Port Adelaide players and coaching staff, along with a legion of supporters, managed to arrive safely in Sydney on Thursday.

Other desperate fans are travelling to Sydney via buses travelling through Melbourne and regional areas on the way to the NSW capital.

Port Adelaide booked its place in the preliminary final after a tense three-point win over the rising Hawthorn Hawks last week.

Sydney are the reigning minor premiers and enjoyed the week off after beating crosstown rivals GWS in week one of the finals.

The winner will progress to the AFL grand final where they will play the winner of the Geelong v Brisbane clash.