������̳

Hundreds of Wales football fans due to watch their country play Montenegro on Monday have seen their flight cancelled after travel organisers said their plane collided with a bird in the sky.

They had been due to leave Cardiff Airport on Friday night, but the plane was grounded before travelling to Cardiff following a "bird strike", travel operator Wonky Sheep said in a message to fans.

It had advised its customers to stay at home and await an update while it tried to make alternative plans, with some fans booking separate flights from London.

Wonky Sheep has now said it has been unable to make alternative arrangements and the trip has been cancelled. It is issuing refunds.

The company apologised, adding in a statement on Sunday: "We tried everything we could to find a solution with a number of providers over the past 48 hours but faced various logistical hurdles, which in one way or another thwarted our efforts.

"The last thing we wanted to do is let fans down, but they’ve been exceptional with their patience and understanding of a very difficult situation, and we thank them for that."

The operator had been trying to find a solution after the plane due to take the fans suffered a bird strike and was left unable to fly.

Initially, a replacement aircraft was found, but no crew was available.

The company said it told fans as soon as possible and ensured those who needed accommodation in Cardiff had somewhere to stay.

Wales fan Richard Grigg had been due to travel on the flight to Podgorica in Montenegro from Cardiff Airport, following Wales' 0-0 game against Turkey at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday evening.

He said before the cancellation: "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," he said.

"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."

Some fans "haven't waited and they've paid for a different flight from Heathrow", he added.

"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 on Sunday morning: "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."