The New Zealand Ministry of Defense has confirmed that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's plane encountered an issue on Sunday while en route to Japan, forcing him to switch to a commercial flight.
Luxon will spend four days in Japan, during which he plans to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and promote New Zealand's business interests.
According to New Zealand media, the Boeing 757 experienced a malfunction while refueling in Papua New Guinea, leaving the business delegation and journalists stranded in Port Moresby, while Luxon continued to Japan on a commercial flight.
The New Zealand Ministry of Defense's two Boeing 757 planes have been in service for over 30 years and frequently encounter issues due to their age.
New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins expressed in a Monday interview with Newstalk ZB radio that the frequent flight issues are embarrassing, and the Ministry is considering switching Luxon and the delegation to commercial flights in the future.
The New Zealand Ministry of Defense is currently facing issues of aging equipment and personnel shortages. The government has expressed a desire to increase defense spending, but is also striving to cut costs due to economic pressures.
