Boris’ first overseas trip fails to take off after plane is forced into emergency landing at Luton

BORIS Johnson’s first overseas trip as Foreign Secretary got off to a turbulent start after his plane was forced into an emergency landing at Luton.

The former London Mayor sparked ridicule and had to continue to his journey to Brussels to meet EU officials by other means when the RAF passenger aircraft had “technical issues”.

It was reportedly met by five fire engines amid dramatic scenes on the runway last night.

The unscheduled stop is believed to have been caused by a problem with the plane’s hydraulics.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed that the BAE 146 aircraft had experienced a technical fault.

A spokesman said: “There was a technical issue on the RAF flight on Sunday afternoon carrying the Foreign Secretary and his officials from London to Brussels that required the aircraft to land at Luton airport.

“The Foreign Secretary thanked the RAF crew for their professionalism and was grateful to Luton airport for the brief, unscheduled welcome.

“After a short delay, the Foreign Secretary continued on his way to Brussels by alternative means.”

Unfortunately the delay was not so short for everyone.

Flights to and from the airport were stopped while emergency services attended the scene.

And frustrated passengers took to social media to vent their anger at the Home Secretary.

David Armstrong wrote: “Thanks Boris. That delay in a sweaty departure lounge was really enjoyable.”

And another tweeted: “Short delay for Boris... In the meantime, flights cancelled for everyone else! Yay Boris!”

One Twitter user said he was on his way back from Nice – where Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel killed 84 people last week – when he was held up by the delays.

Daniel Epstein wrote: “Thanks @BorisJohnson Currently stuck at Nice airport with a two hour delay back to Luton.”

Mr Johnson was a controversial choice for his new role as chief international diplomat.

Since being appointed by new PM Theresa May last week, EU officials cancelled a dinner meeting with him, citing the terror attack in Nice.

But a source said privately that few people wanted to dine with the Leave campaigner after he compared the EU to Hitler in the referendum campaign.

The cancellation meant the Brussels meeting he was travelling to when his plane ran into difficulties was due to be his first official visit as Foreign Secretary.

He is set to meet EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini before a full Foreign Affairs Council on Monday.

Mr Johnson tweeted tonight: “On my way to #Brussels. Looking forward to meeting @FedericaMog this evening & my #EU counterparts at tomorrow's Foreign Affairs Council.”

The diplomats are due to discuss a range of issues, including China, security and migration.

But Brexit will not be one of the topics on the table at the meeting.

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