Wales fans face travel chaos as Montenegro flight grounded 'after hitting bird'

Hundreds of Wales football fans have seen their travel plans thrown into chaos after the plane that was set to take them out to watch their team in Montenegro collided with a bird in mid-air, travel organisers said.

A plane taking Wales fans to Montenegro ahead of Monday's Nations League clash was due to leave Cardiff Airport on Friday night, but has been grounded after tour operators said it hit a bird, leaving some fans anxiously waiting on travel plans.

Tour operator Wonky Sheep had advised its customers to stay home and wait for further updates as it looks at organising alternative plans. WalesOnline understands the operator is assessing several different options in a bid to find a suitable solution.

READ MORE: Craig Bellamy makes exciting promise about his Wales side and gives Kieffer Moore update

READ MORE: The Wales player ratings as Aaron Ramsey shines and recalled star makes point

"Unfortunately, incidents like this happen in aviation and, as much as we tried, everything happened too late to operate the flight as planned," the operator told the BBC.

"We told supporters as soon as we could and ensured those who needed accommodation had somewhere to stay.

"We would never intentionally let our fans down and we are trying our best to find a solution."

Wales fan Richard Grigg had been due to travel on the flight to Podgorica in Montenegro from Cardiff Airport immediately after Friday night's 0-0 draw with Turkey.

He told the BBC: "We received a message at half time during the game last night telling us not to travel to the airport, and advising us to go home.

"We're waiting for them to let us know if they've arranged a flight and, otherwise, we'll need to look at other options.

"We've paid for this flight with Wonky Sheep and we'd rather get a direct flight from Cardiff. Otherwise we'll need to travel to London.

"It's frustrating having to wait for updates and we'd like to know one way or another so we can think of another plan."

Cardiff Airport said: “Cardiff Wales Airport has not had any bird strike incidents recently. We were informed yesterday that the rescheduled flight to Montenegro was due to cabin crew out of hours.

"We have been informed that the Tour Operator and Airline are working hard to arrange alternative arrangements for anticipated fans and Cardiff Airport is in constant dialogue with all parties."

Wales take on Montenegro at the Gradski Stadion in Niksic on Monday. Kick-off is at 7.45pm BST.