Technical Failure Forces German Foreign Minister's Plane to Return to Abu Dhabi

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's flight to Australia and the Pacific faced a setback after her plane experienced mechanical failures on Monday morning. Baerbock was scheduled to arrive in Australia today as part of a week-long trip to the Pacific region, which also includes talks in New Zealand and Fiji. However, after the plane stopped in Abu Dhabi to refuel, it had to offload fuel and return to Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Monday. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry, who was aboard the plane, stated that "due to a mechanical failure, we must return to Abu Dhabi for safety reasons. Options for further travel arrangements are currently being clarified." No comments have been made regarding the impact of the delay on Baerbock's official engagements in Australia. In mid-May, the foreign minister faced a similar issue in Qatar due to a tire puncture on her official government plane in Doha.