No-frills airline Ryanair quadrupled the price of flights to the Estonian capital Tallinn shortly after the Republic of Ireland qualified for the Euro 2012 play-offs.

The airline's chief executive Michael O'Leary has confirmed that discussions are taking place on plans for the airport to remain open late that night to facilitate the return flights.

However, football fans were outraged at the price hike for flights.

Flights from Dublin to the do-or-die match on November 11 rocketed from €72.98 to €278, following the draw at noon yesterday.

Fine Gael Deputy for Mayo, John O’Mahony slammed the move:

“Not for the first time, Ryanair is penalising Irish soccer supporters by increasing the cost of flights, in this case, to Estonia for next month’s European Championship play-off.

“Less than an hour since the draw was made to determine who will face who in the Championship match on the 11th November, Ryanair fares to the capital of Estonia, Talllin, have increased dramatically.

“I understand that Ryanair is running a commercial enterprise but it seems desperately unfair that a flight that could have been booked for around €70 this morning will now set supporters back the best part of €300.

“This is the biggest game for Ireland since we played France two years ago and Irish fans will be eager to attend to ensure the greatest possible level of support for the team. ‘’

The draw was the preferred option for Irish fans as Estonia are regarded as the weakest of the eight teams in contention

Tuesday`s win over Armenia ensured Giovanni Trapattoni`s men finished second in Group B and they were paired off with the Group C runners-up in this afternoon`s draw.

Estonia have never reached the finals of a major tournament, and this is Tarmo Ruutli`s side`s first play-off.

Source Independent.ie

Belfast Telegraph