Secretary Rubio's Flight to Munich Security Conference Aborted Due to Mechanical Issue
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's flight to the Munich Security Conference was aborted due to a mechanical issue. The Air Force plane, also carrying Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews shortly after takeoff. The incident occurred approximately 90 minutes into the flight on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. The aircraft in question was a C-32, a converted Boeing 757.
According to State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, Secretary Rubio intends to continue his travel to Germany and the Middle East on a separate aircraft. The mechanical issue reportedly involved the cockpit windshield. It remains uncertain whether the delay will cause Secretary Rubio to miss a scheduled Friday morning meeting in Munich. The meeting was to include Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Munich Security Conference is a major annual event where global leaders discuss pressing international security challenges. Secretary Rubio's planned attendance underscores the United States' commitment to engaging with allies and partners on these critical issues. The conference serves as a platform for high-level discussions and diplomatic engagement on a range of topics, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“This evening, en route from Washington to Munich, the plane on which Secretary Rubio is flying experienced a mechanical issue. The plane has turned around and is returning to Joint Base Andrews. The secretary intends to continue his travel to Germany and the Middle East on a separate aircraft.”
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