Canada PM Trudeau stuck in India after airplane breakdown; back up en route
Justin Trudeau and his delegation are facing travel disruptions in India as their official aircraft developed technical issues, leaving them stranded in Delhi. The situation is causing uncertainty and may result in Trudeau's return to Canada being delayed.
The 30-year-old aircraft, an Airbus A310, was scheduled to transport Trudeau and his team back to Canada from Delhi on Sunday night.
However, just before departure, the aircraft experienced a malfunction, rendering it unfit for the journey.
Upon learning of the technical issues, the Canadian Armed Forces informed the delegation that immediate repairs were not possible. As a result, Trudeau's team will remain in India until alternate travel arrangements can be made.
A second aircraft, CFC002, has been dispatched to facilitate their return.
This incident is not the first of its kind involving the aging Canadian VVIP fleet. In the summer of 2018, a similar snag occurred, causing a delay in Trudeau's travel plans to Delhi.
These recurring issues have prompted the Canadian government to initiate the process of replacing these older VVIP aircraft with more reliable options.
Trudeau's situation isn't unique, as other countries have faced similar challenges with their VVIP aircraft. Last month, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had to cancel her trip to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji due to a technical problem with her 23-year-old Airbus A340 in Abu Dhabi.
In contrast, the United States is set to upgrade its VVIP aircraft, Air Force One, with two new Boeing 747s by 2027.
