Jet2.com Charity Santa Flight departed from Bristol Airport today.

This year Bristol Airport teamed up with Jet2.com to sprinkle some Christmas cheer for some very deserving children and their families in the South West

The hugely popular charity Santa flight returned to Bristol Airport for the first time since Covid, taking to the sky on a Jet2.com flight this morning (Wednesday December 11th).

Families from Bristol Airport’s charity of the year, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), along with Children’s Hospice South West, British Heart Foundation and Weston Hospice arrived this morning to join in the festive fun. Children from local schools including Winford Church of England Primary School, Wrington C of E Primary School, Court de Wyck Church School in Claverham and Backwell C of E Junior School were also invited on this extra special flight.

The fun began at the Jet2.com check in desk where everyone was issued a very festive welcome and their Santa flight boarding card.

At the gate there was face painting, a magician, music and an appearance from Bristol Airport’s very own Blaze Bear, who is a key member of the Fire team.

The flight took off this morning with over 80 children and 70 adults on board and headed out towards Mid Wales. Once the Jet2.com aircraft was at 10,000ft the search for Santa began. And we’re thrilled to say the captain’s radar was spot on and Santa made a guest appearance, joining children onboard to start Christmas early.

Tracy Comer, Community Relations Manager, Bristol Airport said: “It was wonderful to be able to do this for some very brave children and their families, and it’s all thanks to Jet2.com. There was so much excitement on board, especially when the faint jingle of bells could be heard. We’re over the moon that Santa’s reindeers managed to find the secret door and were able to drop Santa in to make this surprise visit. Lots of fun was had and I hope lots of special memories have been made.”

Blake Jones, who is part of the Cabin Crew team at Bristol Airport for Jet2.com said: “We are absolutely thrilled to work with Bristol Airport, local charities and local schools to put on this special flight for children and their families. The excitement onboard was truly magical, and the smiles and joy on the children’s faces will live long in the memory. Christmas is a time for creating special memories and we are sure we have done that today.”

After party games and Christmas carols, hosted by the Jet2.com cabin crew, the flight touched down at Bristol Airport with lots of happy faces. As an extra special treat, all children were invited into the cockpit to meet the Captain and First Officer before heading into arrivals for a photo with Santa and Christmas present.