Inter Milan fans scramble to book Champions League flights to Istanbul, dramatically raising prices

Inter Milan fans rushed to book flights to Istanbul for the Champions League final following their win over AC Milan last night, sending prices up to staggering amounts.

The Nerazzurri reached the showpiece thanks to a 3-0 aggregate victory over bitter rivals AC Milan, with Simone Inzaghi’s side coming through the return leg on Tuesday thanks to a 1-0 win.

They will take on City of Madrid in the final at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on June 10, drawing 1-1 after the first leg at Bernabeu last week.

The stadium – which hosted the 2005 final when Liverpool famously defeated AC Milan on penalties following a spectacular comeback – has a capacity of 74,752, with 20,000 tickets available for supporters of both teams, with the remainder reserved for neutral fans and hospitality spaces.

These are priced in four different categories, namely €70 (£61), €180 (£157), €490 (£427) and €690 (£601).

However, in addition to this expense, those planning to fly there will have to spend a huge amount of money, with prices rising on the Milan to Istanbul route after Inter secured their place in the final.

On the official websites of Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, the cost of direct flights has skyrocketed in recent days, especially in the last few hours as availability is running out.

The cheapest return flights are now at least €1,000 (£872) and supporters are finding it hard to find trips for less than that – even flying there and back within 24 hours.

However, in the coming days, Inter will likely inform supporters about how they plan to sell the 20,000 tickets they will receive, along with possible packages for the final.

These packages are likely to include bus or plane travel and may therefore lower prices.

Inter fans will be desperate to see their side in action in what will be their first Champions League final since 2010, when Jose Mourinho’s side defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 to win their third European Cup.

Meanwhile, City and Real fans will have to wait until tonight to secure their place in the final, although some supporters may have already taken a risk and booked their flights to Turkey’s largest city.

Inzaghi’s side are likely to be a major underdog against City of Real, with Pep Guardiola’s side arguably the most in form on the continent, while Los Blancos have won five of the past nine Champions League titles.