Micheál Martin's China trip hits turbulence as plane woes strike once more

The jumbo jet carrying the Tánaiste sat on the tarmac for three hours while paperwork was done to ensure it was fit for the sky

Micheál Martin addresses the Fianna Fáil ard fheis in Dublin on Saturday. The timing of the annual event left him with few options to ensure he got to China on time. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

He is not the most fortunate when it comes to air travel and Tánaiste Micheál Martin’s important visit to China hit turbulence before his plane even left the ground.

Forensic airport staff performing a cabin check spotted what was described by the pilot as a scratch on the plane. That meant the jumbo jet carrying more than 300 passengers, including Mr Martin, his officials, and journalists, was left sitting on the tarmac for three hours while paperwork was conducted to ensure the plane was fit for the sky.