German Foreign Minister's Plane Woes: From Rats to Explosions
Originally Published 2 years ago — by POLITICO Europe
The German government has a history of encountering embarrassing technical difficulties with its government planes during diplomatic trips. Examples include cracked windows, broken landing gear, exploding tires, rats chewing cables, and computer system failures. Ministers and officials have been stranded, forced to take commercial flights, or make emergency landings. These incidents have resulted in last-minute changes, delays, and inconveniences for top officials, highlighting the patchy track record of the German government's use of planes for official travel.