A HOLIDAY company has apologised after air passengers bound for Bournemouth had to make their own way home after being diverted to Gatwick.

The Lithuanian Small Planet aircraft was chartered by Newmarket Holidays to fly from Naples to Bournemouth airport last Sunday.

A disgruntled Bournemouth couple contacted the Daily Echo after having to pay £250 to travel back home by taxi at around 3am.

Newmarket Holidays marketing director Phil O’Sullivan said: “We would like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and delay that our customers experienced during their return journey.

“Any delays are unfortunate and one of this length is something we try our very best to avoid. I only hope that it didn’t ruin what we understand had been a very enjoyable week’s holiday in Italy.”

Mr O’Sullivan stressed that customers would be reimbursed for taxi fares incurred by the delays.