Belgian evacuation flight to Lebanon forced to turn back due to technical defect
A military plane sent to repatriate Belgian nationals from Lebanon has had to return due to a technical defect, the Belgian military has announced. The plane was also carrying medical equipment destined for Lebanon.
The plane had taken off from Cologne military airport shortly after noon on Wednesday for the Lebanese capital, Beirut. "Over the Adriatic Sea, however, the aircraft had to turn back due to technical problems with one of its engines," the Belgian military said.
The flight was due to return on Wednesday evening with Belgian nationals and possibly other European nationals on board
The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has plunged Lebanon into crisis, with Israeli bombing forcing more than 400,000 people to flee to neighbouring Syria in less than two weeks.
The A330, which was carrying medical equipment worth 150,000 euros destined for the Lebanese government, landed safely in Cologne at around 15.00. The flight had been due to return on Wednesday evening with Belgian nationals and possibly other European nationals on board.
Those who were due to board the plane have been informed of the delay. The Belgian military is working to see if a new flight can be organised soon.
An A330 MRTT military aircraft after a Belgian military evacuation mission from Afghanistan in 2021.
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