WASHINGTON, D.C.- Air Force One, the US presidential aircraft, made a sharp U-turn and returned shortly after takeoff following a reported minor electrical issue.
The aircraft departed from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland (ADW), before returning as a precaution and later resuming the trip on a different plane.
US President Donald Trump continued his journey to the World Economic Forum after switching aircraft hours later.
The delegation is traveling onward to Davos via Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH), where global leaders are gathered for the annual summit.
Air Force One Returns to Airbase
Shortly after departure on Tuesday night local time, the Air Force One crew identified a minor electrical issue onboard.
Acting under established safety procedures, the aircraft returned to Joint Base Andrews out of an abundance of caution.
Officials confirmed there was no immediate danger, but the decision prioritized operational safety.
A reporter traveling with the press pool said the lights in the press cabin briefly went out after takeoff, though officials gave no explanation at the time.
The White House Rapid Response team later confirmed on social media that crews detected the issue mid-flight and planned to change aircraft.
White House Confirmation and Aircraft Switch
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the decision to turn back was made shortly after takeoff.
She confirmed that President Trump and his team would board a different aircraft to continue the journey to Switzerland.
Observers saw a US government motorcade heading toward the Maryland base Tuesday night, visually confirming the return.
The replacement aircraft departed shortly after midnight local time, around 05:00 GMT, approximately two and a half hours after the original takeoff. Officials expected the aircraft to land back at Joint Base Andrews around 11 PM local time.
Presidential Aircraft and Fleet Developments
The current Air Force One aircraft has served as the presidential transport for nearly four decades.
Boeing has been developing replacement aircraft for the fleet, but the program has faced multiple delays.
Last year, Qatar’s ruling family gifted a luxury Boeing 747-8 to join the Air Force One fleet. The move drew significant public scrutiny.
The aircraft is currently undergoing extensive retrofitting to meet US security and communications requirements.
Leavžitt, US President Donald Trump’s Spokesperson, jokingly told reporters onboard Tuesday night that the Qatari jet was “sounding much better” at the moment.
Davos Agenda
Trump is traveling to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum, where he will engage in direct exchanges with European leaders.
The visit comes amid tensions over his push to take control of Greenland, an issue likely to surface during discussions.
Before departure, Trump described the Switzerland visit as an “interesting trip” and told reporters, “I have no idea what’s going to happen, but you are well represented.”
Mechanical issues have affected other senior US officials’ travel in recent years. In February, an Air Force aircraft carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio returned to Washington after a mechanical problem.
In October, a military aircraft transporting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an emergency landing in the United Kingdom due to a cracked windshield.
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