Bodø/Glimt Fans Rush for Flights to Lisbon for Champions League Match
Norwegian Air is adding an extra flight to Lisbon to accommodate the surge in demand from supporters eager to spot Bodø/Glimt compete in the Champions League, the airline announced Thursday.
The Norwegian carrier will operate a flight departing Oslo on , the same day as Bodø/Glimt’s match against Sporting. The decision comes after the Norwegian club’s stunning run in European competition, which saw them defeat Manchester City, Atlético Madrid and Inter during the winter months, securing a spot in the round of 16.
“This is to accommodate the demand in connection with Bodø/Glimt – Sporting,” said Eline Hyggen Skari, pressesjef (press chief) at Norwegian, in a statement. “We hope this will help more people get the opportunity to cheer on Bodø/Glimt in Portugal.”
The increased travel demand highlights the growing excitement surrounding Bodø/Glimt’s unexpected success. The club, representing a relatively small city in Northern Norway, has captivated football fans with its underdog story and impressive victories against some of Europe’s biggest names. The first leg of the tie against Sporting was played in Bodø on .
Norwegian previously added an extra flight to London last year to accommodate supporters traveling to see Bodø/Glimt play Tottenham in the Europa League semi-finals. According to Skari, the airline quickly arranged the additional service after the initial flights sold out. That flight departed Oslo on .
The airline is also prepared to add further flights should Bodø/Glimt advance past Sporting. If they do, they will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Arsenal. Norwegian indicated they would consider additional flights to Bilbao should Glimt reach the Europa League final.
The addition of the Lisbon flight underscores the increasing importance of charter and extra flights for supporting clubs in European competitions. As travel restrictions have eased and fan bases have become more mobile, airlines are responding to the demand created by successful runs in tournaments like the Champions League and Europa League. This trend is particularly noticeable for clubs from smaller cities or countries, where travel to away matches can be more challenging and expensive.
The logistical challenges of supporting a team in Europe are significant, and the willingness of airlines like Norwegian to respond to demand is crucial for allowing fans to experience these historic moments firsthand. The enthusiasm surrounding Bodø/Glimt’s Champions League campaign is a testament to the power of football to unite communities and inspire passionate support, even from remote corners of the world.
The success of Bodø/Glimt is also a notable story for Norwegian football as a whole. While Norway has produced several world-class players, its club teams have historically struggled to make a significant impact in European competitions. Bodø/Glimt’s run is therefore seen as a breakthrough moment, potentially paving the way for greater investment and development in Norwegian football.
The flight departing on is scheduled to depart at 10:50 AM, allowing supporters to arrive in Lisbon in time for the 6:45 PM kickoff. The airline’s quick response to the increased demand demonstrates its commitment to supporting Norwegian football and providing opportunities for fans to follow their teams on the European stage.