British Airways will boost capacity to Russia this week ahead of England’s crunch World Cup quarter final clash with Sweden on Saturday (July 7).
The airline says it will place larger aircraft on its Moscow and St Petersburg routes following a surge in demand after England’s dramatic penalty shoot out win over Colombia on Tuesday night (July 3).
Abta told TTG its members had reported “significant growth” in interest for quarter-final packages with England due to take on Sweden at the Samara Arena on Saturday, around 600 miles from Moscow.
A BA spokesperson said: “We’re all behind the England Football team and, with three flights a day to Moscow and one to St Petersburg, we’re excited to be the airline of choice for a huge number of football fans flying out to the World Cup.
“To make sure as many fans as possible are able to travel, we’ve added larger aircraft on these routes.”
An Abta spokesperson added: “Abta members have reported a significant growth in interest for the World Cup over the last few days, and one sports specialist said his phone had not stopped ringing after England’s victory over Colombia.
“The warm welcome from the Russian people, efficiency of the organisation and England’s success on the field has convinced fans that Russia is the place to be.”
Abta is urging any fans travelling to Russia for the World Cup to check the Foreign Office’s latest travel advice before travelling or planning a trip.