Glasgow to Lapland Flight Cancelled: Children Left in Tears Before Christmas Trip

Flight Cancellation Devastates Families

Hundreds of children were left devastated when their flight to see Father Christmas in Lapland was cancelled moments before take-off. Families had spent thousands on a festive day trip from Glasgow to Finland on Thursday. The incident affected approximately 130 children who had been eagerly anticipating their magical journey to meet Santa Claus.

Aircraft Damage Causes Last-Minute Cancellation

The aircraft was struck from outside whilst taxiing to the runway which broke the cockpit window. The excited children had boarded the 7am flight, operated by Enter Air on behalf of Transun, wearing Christmas jumpers and were due to enjoy husky rides, snowmobiles and various other festive activities in Finland. However, the damage to the aircraft made it impossible for the flight to proceed safely.

Emotional Impact on Families

One mother described the heartbreaking scene at the airport. “My own two are absolutely heartbroken. They told all their friends and teachers they were going to Lapland to meet Santa. We were up at 3am, the excitement was huge – and then everything just collapsed.” Stefenie Bird-Young, 36, from Kilmarnock, had paid £2,300 to take her husband Chris, 35, and children Aaden, nine, and Amelia, seven, on the visit.

Limited Options for Affected Passengers

Parents were told they could fork out £5,000 for alternative travel, wait until 2026 or take a full refund. For many families, these options presented significant challenges. The high cost of alternative arrangements was prohibitive, whilst waiting until next year raised concerns about children growing older and potentially losing the magic of believing in Santa Claus.

Wider Context and Passenger Rights

This cancellation highlights the vulnerability of charter flights, particularly during the busy Christmas season. A spokesman for Transun said: “We were saddened that [Thursday’s] day trip from Glasgow had to be cancelled. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the importance of travel insurance, especially for once-in-a-lifetime experiences like Lapland trips during the festive period.