A nightmare situation is unfolding at Toronto Pearson for a plane load of Newfoundlanders trying to get home for Christmas.

Krista Babij and her family were returning home from a vacation in Orlando, Florida when they were told by WestJet that their flight from Toronto to St. John’s had been cancelled.

Babij says they’ve been left largely in the dark about why their flight was cancelled, and they’re not being told when they might be able to get home.

She says they were told it was cancelled due to mechanical/safety issues, but the email they received from WestJet says it’s under investigation.

Bob Lamar says the earliest they might have a flight available is Boxing Day; he and his wife can tolerate it, but there are a number of children who won’t get home for Christmas.