An airplane the White House chartered to carry journalists from Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C. to Europe was grounded late Wednesday due to a swarm of cicadas.
The journalists’ departure was delayed from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. and then once again until around 2 a.m. Thursday, reported The New York Times. Some journalists took to social media to express their frustration at insects delaying their plane. (RELATED: Giant Cicada Blamed For Car Crash)
And after a delay of nearly 7 hours, we’re finally wheels up to the UK and the G7
— Jonathan Lemire (@JonLemire) June 9, 2021
Stupid cicadas https://t.co/lpZktUXUpf
“The White House press charter, flying from Dulles to Europe ahead of President Biden, has been delayed for hours – due to mechanical issues caused by cicadas,” wrote The Associated Press’s Jonathan Lemire on Twitter. “Stupid cicadas,” he said in another post.
“No, [Lemire] isn’t kidding, the White House press charter for the foreign trip is delayed several hours because of cicada-related mechanical issues,” CNN chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins tweeted.
Another reason to dislike cicadas: “cicada strike”disabled White House press plane set to depart for G7 in Cornwall last night. Waiting to board replacement aircraft 6 hours later…
— Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) June 9, 2021
The reporters will be covering President Joe Biden’s first trip abroad as president in Europe, according to the Times.
Biden plans to work toward improving ties with Europe and reaffirming America’s global leadership, according to NPR.