Three flights due to take Liverpool fans to the Champions League final in Kiev have been cancelled, leaving around a thousand supporters stranded.

A statement on the World Choice Sport website apologised and explained that Kiev Borispyl, the airport supporters were meant to be flying into, has been unable to allocate times for aircraft, and that the problem "is with Kiev".

Six charter flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport have not yet been allocated a landing slot in Kiev Boryspil Airport.

The delay means more than 1,000 Reds fans are still without flight times or tickets, despite having booked the £950 trip weeks ago through the Widnes-based company.

And hundreds are now set for a last-minute scramble to get to Ukraine after having their flights pulled at the last minute.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

(Image: PA)

Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson is working with his colleague in Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, in the hope that they can come to an agreement that would see the flights able to be reinstated onto the schedule.

The World Choice Sport statement read: "Dear customers, With deep regret, we have had to cancel three flights to Kiev. Due to so many flights going into Kiev, Kiev Borispyl has unable to allocate times for aircraft.

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"We have worked extremely hard over the last 48 hours trying to resolve these issues. We have had Liverpool football club, Police, UEFA and everyone at the highest levels of authority trying to resolve this.

(Image: AFP/Getty)

"We have exhausted all avenues to try and get landing slots. We have had them from Liverpool airport and Manchester airport and we have applied for slots in the correct manner and time frame with the authorities. To reiterate this problem IS with Kiev."

The statement confirmed fans would receive refunds, adding: "At this stage we can only make a huge apology and are very sorry let you down on this occasion.

"We will be processing full refunds of monies paid as soon as possible, starting tomorrow.

"If you have booked online, this will be refunded to the same payment method. If you have paid by cash, we will issue a cheque."

(Image: UEFA/Getty Images)

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A club statement added: "Liverpool Football Club is continuing to work with all of the relevant stakeholders in the UK and Ukraine in an attempt to resolve a situation which has left around 1,000 fans without flights to Kiev for the Champions League final.

"Flights chartered by World Choice Sports had been set to take supporters to Ukraine, but a dispute between the Widnes-based travel company and the aviation authorities in Kiev over the size of the aircraft has led to the trips being cancelled.

"Along with officials from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Liverpool City Council, UEFA and the authorities in Kiev, Liverpool FC has been endeavouring to resolve the issue since it first came to light and will continue to do so until all avenues have been exhausted. "

Devastated Liverpool supporters took to Twitter after the announcement, to share their disappointment and make a last-ditch attempt to salvage the situation.

One fan call on the club to help out, tweeting: "Absolute disgrace about them flights being cancelled. Surely the club can do something? Arrange a coach or something???"

While another added: "Pure devastated... feel like crying!"

A spokesperson added: "All other flights are unaffeted. You will have received etickets via email in the last week or so. At this stage we can only make a huge apology and are very sorry let you down on this occasion."

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

We will be processing full refunds of monies paid as soon as possible, starting tomorrow.

"If you have booked online, this will be refunded to the same payment method. If you have paid by cash, we will issue a cheque."

Fan John Newsome, from Liverpool, is one supporter who has so far been left without a flight time or ticket.

He said: “We are having a bit of a nightmare at the moment. Both myself and my mate got lucky in the ballot and booked Friday’s flight with World Sports. All looked genuine and it’s a local firm so thought it would be trouble-free.

“Now we are bricking it as it’s very late in the day to make other arrangements that are affordable. We just have everything crossed it’s a goer.”

(Image: AFP)

Dad Raphi Bloom said his 18-year-old son Elliot is also currently without a ticket and was supposed to be flying at 9.15am on Saturday.

He said: “It is very worrying and I think a lot of people are worrying.

“No-one knows what is going on at the moment.

“To be fair Worldchoice Sports are trying to keep us updated as and when they get information.

“From what I understand it is Kiev airport who are changing the rules.”

(Image: AFP)

Some fans, such as Jimmy Pilnick, have received tickets but with no allocated flight number, so does not know if he is affected.

He said: “I was actually sent an e-ticket with my flight time on as soon as I booked, but it had no flight number on.

“Worldchoice Sports said they are promising to have an update within the hour.”

The Liverpool team flew out from John Lennon airport on Thursday, ahead of the final against Real Madrid on Saturday.

Los Blancos are challenging for a 13th Champions League title, but will have to be at their very best to beat Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

Flights cancelled

25th May ET8700

27th May ET8701

26TH May ET8704

27TH May ET8705

26th May ET8706

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27Th May ET8707

All other flights unaffected