AIRLINE chiefs will help a mass exodus of Celtic fans to Iceland for their Champions League tie next month.

Thousands of Hoops fans are expected to travel to Reykjavik to support Ronny Deila's team.

The number of fans travelling to the game is expected to be in stark contrast to the 30 who flew more than 3500 miles to watch their team play in Kazakhstan last season.

As reported in late editions of the Evening Times last night, the first leg is scheduled to be played at Murrayfield Stadium on July 15/16.

The return leg is to be played in Iceland a week later, on July 22/23. However, the Scottish champions are currently in talks with KR Reykjavík over switching the dates.

A statement on the Parkhead club's website read: "Discussions as to the possibility of Celtic playing the first leg in Iceland are ongoing, and supporters will be updated as soon as possible."

Celtic have moved their home match to Murrayfield because Celtic Park is being used as a venue for the Commonwealth Games.

Last season the journey, the cost and the need to take time off work deterred fans from going to Astana for the tie against Shakhter Karagandy.

However, this year, airport bosses are welcoming fans and are glad they will be able to travel directly from Glasgow airport to the Icelandic capital.

A spokesman for the transport hub said: "For Celtic fans it's great news.

"Icelandair operates direct flights from Glasgow to Reykjavík, which will make it easy for fans to make their way over to support the team.

"There are five flights a week."

Reykjavik are the most successful side in their country's history, winning their 13th title last year.