Secretary of State Marco Rubio's trip to the Munich Security Conference hit a snag Thursday evening when his plane encountered a mechanical problem, forcing it to return to Joint Base Andrews shortly after takeoff.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio boards a plane at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on February 13, 2025, before the flight's diversion due to mechanical issues. (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool)
Rubio's spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, confirmed the incident, stating that the plane experienced the mechanical malfunction en route to Munich from Washington, D.C. Despite the setback, Bruce affirmed Rubio's commitment to his international itinerary. He plans to continue his journey to Germany and the Middle East on a separate aircraft.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, preparing for departure to the Munich Security Conference on February 13, 2025. (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool)
Following the Munich Security Conference, Rubio's schedule includes a multi-day visit to the Middle East, with stops planned in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. This visit comes as Israel and Hamas are navigating a delicate three-stage ceasefire agreement, adding significance to Rubio's diplomatic efforts in the region.
This trip holds particular importance given the current state of affairs in the Middle East. Rubio's visit coincides with the implementation of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after a protracted 16-month conflict in Gaza.
