Overview

• After touchdown at Aldergrove Airport near Belfast, the crew was told the assigned taxi route was too narrow for the Bundeswehr Airbus A350.
• The captain twice briefed passengers, warning the engines might be shut down for a tow of roughly 300 to 400 meters.
• Passengers waited about 45 minutes before the aircraft repositioned slightly and disembarkation began via the rear door at 19:34.
• Johann Wadephul missed the 19:00 start of a West Balkans reception hosted by UK foreign minister Yvette Cooper.
• On the runway the minister greeted German ambassador Susanne Baumann with a light-hearted quip about the minor drama.