Algiers - German Chancellor Angela Merkel's return to Germany from a two-day visit to Algeria was delayed Thursday as a result of damage to her German Air Force aircraft. Merkel, who turned 54 Thursday, had been due back in Berlin by 6 pm local time to celebrate her birthday with friends.
Instead she tarried over a long lunch with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, drinking coffee with her Algerian hosts.
Officials travelling with the chancellor said the aircraft, the Theodor Heuss, had been damaged by a mobile gangway, which tore a 30- centimetre hole in the fuselage.
Bouteflika offered an alternative from the state-owned Air Algerie that was being prepared for take-off.
Delayed with Merkel were members of a high-level German business delegation that accompanied the chancellor to Algeria on a trip that focused primarily on enhancing economic ties.
The Theodor Heuss was to undergo emergency repairs before flying back to Germany without passengers.
