Huge take-off in flight spends to get to big game

IRELAND football fans rushing to book flights for the World Cup playoff against Czechia drove a surge in airline spending in the immediate aftermath of the FIFA draw last Thursday, according to a special AIB Football Spend Trend.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

Spending by AIB customers on flights increased by 69 per cent to €250,000 between 1pm and 2pm on 20th November, compared to the same time the previous week.

This doesn't just cover direct flights from Dublin to Prague, but the various routes innovative supporters have planned and navigated across Europe to cheer on the boys in green in Prague.

Irish football fans are also keen to look the part.