The NATO plane that left Cologne (Germany) on Wednesday bound for Lebanon with the intention of repatriating Belgians had to turn back due to technical difficulties the Belgian defence ministry says. The plane that is a Belgian aircraft is now back on its way to Lebanon. It's return in Cologne with Belgians and other international people eager to quit Lebanon is expected at 21:30 CEST.
Yesterday the military plane had to abort its mission over the Adriatic due to technical problems with one of its engines. The A330 landed back safely at the military airport in Cologne around 3pm.
The aircraft was carrying €150,000 worth of medical equipment destined for the Lebanese government being supplied by B-FAST, the Belgian disaster aid agency.
The plane was supposed to return from Beirut yesterday evening with Belgians and other nationals on board. 250 seats were available, but due to the technical difficulties they could not be repatriated just yet. A second attempt is now underway.
Affected passengers were informed of the delay and the Belgian foreign ministry is in contact with the passengers who were due to take the flight and heading for Brussels.