The flight, operated by Malta’s Maleth Aero, had been laid on to bring hundreds of P&O Cruises passengers home in time for Christmas; however, the incident resulted in them spending Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and much of Boxing Day in Bermuda.

In total, there were 225 passengers and 13 crew onboard the aircraft. All 13 crew escaped injury. A replacement aircraft arrived back in the UK during the early hours of Wednesday morning (27 September).

A P&O Cruises spokesperson told The Independent: “A flight from Barbados to Manchester was diverted to Bermuda earlier yesterday morning [24 December] following freak (unexpected) turbulence."

The spokesperson said after exploring all available flying options, passengers had been put up in hotels ahead of a Boxing Day flight home. “We are very sorry for this disruption to their journey following their holiday and we are working with the airline and hotels to take care of them and ensure they get home as soon as possible."

P&O Cruises ships Britannia and Arvia are currently stationed in the Caribbean.