The excitement and anticipation of a major sporting event can bring fans together in a shared sense of community and camaraderie.

For many, the journey to the game is part of the experience, a pilgrimage to support their beloved team in a crucial match.

However, this journey became a nightmare for Port Adelaide Football Club fans. They faced unexpected travel chaos, which left them stranded and fuming.

Last Friday, on what was supposed to be a day filled with sporting spirit and enthusiasm, chaotic scenes unfolded at Adelaide Airport.

Many Port Adelaide Football Club fans were left in disbelief and anger after their flight to Sydney was cancelled at the last minute.

The cancellation was a shock, especially since Qantas had previously announced additional flights from Adelaide to Sydney to accommodate fans attending the AFL preliminary final against the Sydney Swans.

Port Adelaide fans were stranded at Adelaide Airport after their Qantas flight to Sydney for the AFL preliminary final was cancelled at the last minute. Credit: Shutterstock

Many had booked the 10 am QF734 flight to ensure they arrived well before the 7:40 pm kickoff at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but the flight was cancelled an hour before boarding.

This left fans scrambling for alternatives, with some being offered a direct flight to Sydney that would land at 6:45 pm—dangerously close to the game's start time.

The frustration was palpable among the fans, many of whom had paid a 'premium price' of $1000 for a return flight, expecting a smooth and hassle-free journey.

'It's just ridiculous…we went with Qantas because they're supposed to be reliable,' said Port Adelaide fan Joy Higgins.

'It shouldn't happen. You don't put on flights and then cancel them. It's just not good enough.'

The sentiment was echoed by Port Adelaide super fan Pina Tridente, who was already on her way to the airport, spirits high when she received the disheartening text message about the cancellation.

With no other direct Qantas flights available, she had to book a last-minute flight with Virgin Australia, costing an additional $700.

'It's terrible. Firstly, all the airlines were charging so much to get there…now people have used that money to get there only to find out it’s been cancelled and there are no other (direct Qantas) flights,' she lamented.

Qantas attributed the cancellation to an engineering issue and stated that most customers were accommodated on the earliest possible flights to Sydney via Melbourne or Canberra.

While some customers opted to take the direct flight, arriving at 6:45 pm, the uncertainty and stress of the situation were far from over.

Trudy Fenton and Marcus Roberts were among the lucky few who booked another flight via Melbourne, which would get them to Sydney by 5:15 pm—just enough time to make a mad dash to the Sydney Cricket Ground.

However, the anxiety of potentially missing the game entirely loomed over them, as any further delays or cancellations could ruin their plans.

Qantas expressed its apologies for the inconvenience, with a spokesperson stating, 'We understand this disruption is frustrating and apologise to passengers for the inconvenience.’

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

The incident raised questions about the reliability of air travel during peak times, especially for significant events that draw large crowds.

For the Port Adelaide fans affected by the cancellation, the ordeal is a reminder that even the best-laid plans can go awry.

As they navigated the uncertainty and made alternative arrangements, their dedication to their team remained unwavering.

But the experience was a bitter pill to swallow, a pre-game tension they hadn't anticipated.

Key Takeaways

• Many Port Adelaide Football Club fans were stranded at Adelaide Airport due to the last-minute cancellation of their Qantas flight to Sydney for the AFL preliminary final.
• Some ticket holders paid $1000 for a return flight and were offered an alternative flight that would likely result in them missing the game's kickoff.
• Qantas cancelled the 10am QF734 flight due to an engineering issue but has worked to accommodate most customers on the earliest possible flights.
• Impacted Port Adelaide supporters expressed frustration and disappointment, with some having to book additional flights at extra cost to make it to the game.

Have you ever faced similar challenges while travelling to support your favourite team or attend a significant event? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[Bezz]

Typical airlines, overcharge for flights for major events! They squeezed Rex out of the market, who are a great airline - they are now only allowed to fly regional. So much for fair competition!!!

 

[Judio]

If you fly QF you need to NOT support AFL. Virgin has that monopoly - so QF are just doing what they do best - upsetting travellers.

 

[darrellh]

Qantas are not reliable and I almost understand that people want to get to these games but to pay ridiculous inflated fares in the first place, you are just playing into the airlines hands. Enough is enough with gouging in these tough economic times

 

[Noon]

I'd never pay that money anyway to go to a Sport, but maybe next time a few should put in to rent a car & the money saved could go to accommodation costs, that way you know you'll get there on time.

 

[novezar]

Much, much cheaper to watch the game at home on the good old square screen. There you see instant replays of incidents with all the close-ups of same. You don't get that privilege at the game. Also, sitting in your good comfy lounge chair. Think of the "Dough-Ray-Me", plus all of the extravagant costs you'd save with other inconveniences. A real No Brainer.

There again, some "Desperado's" have more money than brains.