Canterbury Travel has apologised after its replacement Titan Airways charter aircraft was forced to divert to Norway due to snow and ice on the runway.

After refuelling though, Titan decided not to attempt to return to Enontekio “for reasons of safety and crew working hours”, Canterbury managing director Jacqui Bonham said.

Day-trippers expecting a snowy winter wonderland and meeting with Santa were subsequently left with little more than views from their aircraft windows before returning to Edinburgh on Sunday (December 9).

"We chartered an aircraft with Titan Airways and for reasons not yet fully understood, the aircraft was swapped and the flight was delayed leaving Edinburgh in the morning,” said Bonham of the "failed" day trip.

“On its approach to Enontekio, snow and ice on the runway led to a divert to Norway to refuel.

The runway at Enontekio was cleared and reopened and other flights were able to operate normally. Titan Airways made the decision not to attempt to return to Enontekio for reasons of safety and crew working hours.”

Bonham added despite Canterbury’s best efforts, the operator had not been able to secure an aircraft for an alternative date.

“This has not been possible due to the short notice and availability of aircraft at such a busy time immediately before Christmas,” said Bonham.

“We are contacting all customers or their travel agents to arrange a full refund. Again, we offer our most heartfelt apologies to all families affected."

TTG was unable to reach Titan Airways for comment.