Lapland Santa flight from Glasgow cancelled after aircraft window strike

Hundreds of children and their families experienced significant disappointment when an Enter Air flight, operating on behalf of Transun for a festive day-trip to Lapland, was cancelled on the runway at Glasgow Airport on December 11. Passengers, who had paid thousands of pounds for the experience, were preparing for takeoff when the aircraft's cockpit window was struck, forcing the plane to return to the gate. With no alternative aircraft available for the chartered service, the trip was ultimately called off.

The cancellation led to widespread distress among the more than 130 children on board, many of whom were left in tears. Families, such as the Birds-Young who had invested £2,300 for their immediate family and an additional £1,000 for grandparents, faced not only financial loss but also the emotional toll of a ruined holiday. For this family, the disappointment was particularly acute as the trip was planned to create lasting memories with a grandfather living with terminal blood cancer.

Transun confirmed the cancellation, stating the aircraft was struck from outside while taxiing, breaking the cockpit window. Affected passengers have been offered the choice of a full refund or transferring their booking to another available date. This incident highlights the growing popularity of one-day Lapland excursions from the UK, a market TUI is also expanding with new programs for winter 2026.