Scotland fans have been left hundreds out of pocket and stranded in Greece after flights to Heathrow Airport were cancelled due to a nearby fire.
The Tartan Army travelled in large numbers to Athens to watch Steve Clarke’s men win 1-0 in the Nations League play-off thanks to a goal from Scott McTominay.
However, many Scots have found themselves stranded in the Greek capital after a fire at a substation near Heathrow Airport meant all flights were cancelled on Friday.
Some fans have been left scrambling to rebook new flights and extra accommodation, with supporters stranded in the city and at airports.
LIVE UPDATES: Flights between Scotland and Heathrow cancelled following substation fire
SuppliedNeil Gordon, who was due to travel from Athens to London on Friday, was informed by British Airways his flight was cancelled before he left his hotel.
The 56-year-old was able to secure two extra nights accommodation in the only remaining room, but at an extra cost of £200.
The Scotland fan, who lives in Gloucester, will also have to pay for extra parking at Heathrow and has been rebooked on a flight from Athens on Sunday morning.
He told STV News: “My tales of woe won’t be as bad as those travelling back up to Scotland.
“I was due to fly from Athens to Heathrow today at half one so I was up early for breakfast in the hotel to catch the Metro to the airport.
“After breakfast, I went back to my room and, thankfully, I checked the emails on my phone and had this a message from BA saying the flight was cancelled.”
He added: “Thankfully the hotel I’m staying in had, quite literally, one spare room for two extra nights but it’s set me back another €250.
“I didn’t budget for this, so I’ve also got another two days’ worth of food and beer to pay for now.
“My car’s parked at Heathrow as well, so that’s another two more days of parking to pay for.
“With it not being the airline’s fault, it should be fun and games claiming that all back.
“No doubt there’s plenty of other Tartan Army foot soldiers much worse off than me who are trying to get back to Scotland for Sunday night’s return match.”
More than 1,300 flights to and from Heathrow were disrupted on Friday due to the closure of the airport following the blaze at a nearby electrical substation.
Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports have all been affected, with at least 21 flights already cancelled.
This includes the 6.35am and 8.15am British Airways flights from Glasgow Airport, and the 10.20am and 11.40am to Heathrow.
The 7.30am and 9am flights from Edinburgh to Heathrow have also been cancelled.
Both Glasgow and Aberdeen airports sent out a passenger announcement on social media, advising travellers to check with their airline.
It read: “Heathrow Airport (LHR) is closed today due to a significant power outage.
“We advise all passengers travelling to LHR to check with their airline before heading to the airport, as all flights to Heathrow have been cancelled.”
Edinburgh Airport has advised any British Airways passengers not to travel to the airport following the disruption at Heathrow.
The airport added it has not been asked to take any diverted flights.
They said: “Due to temporary closure of Heathrow Airport, all British Airways passengers are being advised not to travel to Edinburgh Airport and to contact British Airways for further information.
“Flights with other airlines to other London airports are currently operating as normal.”
The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) is advising all travellers due to fly via Heathrow to check with their airline or travel agent as soon as possible following the airport’s unexpected closure.
A spokesperson said: “Heathrow is a vital connection point for travellers from Scotland heading to destinations around the world. Today’s closure is causing severe disruption, and the situation is changing rapidly. Travellers with connecting flights – particularly those heading long haul – should not assume that their journey will go ahead as planned.”
“When things go wrong, having a travel agent on your side can make all the difference.
“We’re hearing from SPAA members across Scotland who are working hard behind the scenes today to rebook clients, secure alternative routes, and ensure minimal disruption to travel plans. If you’ve booked through a professional agent, you’re not facing the stress alone.”
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage across the airport due to a large fire at a nearby electrical substation. Whilst fire crews are responding to the incident, we do not have clarity on when power may be reliably restored.
“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, we have no choice but to close Heathrow until midnight on March 21 2025. We expect significant disruption over the coming days and passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens.
“We will provide an update when more information on the resumption of operations is available. We know this will be disappointing for passengers and we want to reassure that we are working as hard as possible to resolve the situation.”
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