Glenavon Football Club’s eagerly anticipated friendly encounter against FC Erzgebirge Aue hangs in the balance as the team’s travel arrangements have been unexpectedly disrupted. The club announced that their plans to fly with Aer Lingus have been canceled due to the ongoing strike action initiated by the Irish Airline Pilots Association (Ialpa).
Aer Lingus pilots initiated the industrial action last week, expressing their dissatisfaction with the company’s handling of their demand for a substantial pay increase. In response, the pilots have commenced an indefinite work-to-rule, causing widespread disruptions to flight schedules.
Glenavon’s first team squad was scheduled to depart from Dublin to Berlin on Friday. However, their flight, along with numerous others, has been affected by the strike. With 40 individuals part of the traveling party, only 15 members were accommodated by Aer Lingus, leaving the majority of the team stranded.
Glenavon Football Club has released a statement highlighting their efforts to resolve the issue with the airline. They expressed their disappointment at the sudden cancellation, emphasizing the meticulous planning that went into the travel arrangements.
The highly anticipated match, which has been months in the making, could now be in jeopardy unless alternative arrangements can be made swiftly. Glenavon FC remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached with Aer Lingus, allowing the team to fulfill their fixture against FC Erzgebirge Aue and avoid any further setbacks to their preseason preparations.
Glenavon manager Stephen McDonnell and his squad are eager to showcase their skills against the German side, but with the uncertainty surrounding their travel, the outcome of the friendly match hangs in the balance. The club and its supporters await further updates on the situation and remain optimistic that a solution will be found in time for the anticipated clash.