The United States presidential aircraft, Air Force One, made an unexpected return to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Tuesday night, shortly after taking off with Donald Trump on board.
The President was en route to Davos, Switzerland, to participate in the World Economic Forum scheduled for Wednesday.
The White House announced that the crew detected a "minor electrical issue" post-departure and decided to return "out of an abundance of caution."
This incident necessitated a change of aircraft, delaying the President's arrival in Europe.
Mid-Flight Disruption
The initial takeoff occurred around 9:40 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. Roughly half an hour later, while airborne, journalists on board were informed that the aircraft would turn back.
Air Force One touched down at Joint Base Andrews again at 11:07 p.m., having spent less than an hour in the air.
A reporter traveling with the presidential entourage noted that the press cabin lights briefly went out shortly after takeoff. It remains unclear if this was directly related to the reported issue.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who was on the flight, confirmed the incident. "The crew identified a minor electrical issue, and out of caution, we decided to return to base," she stated. Leavitt was accompanying the President during the flight.
Switch to a Different Aircraft in the Dead of Night
Once on the ground, Trump boarded another aircraft, an Air Force C-32, a Boeing 757 model adapted with presidential specifications.
This plane is typically used for domestic flights or destinations with smaller airports. The second takeoff occurred shortly after midnight, allowing the journey to Davos to resume with about a two-hour delay.
The subsequent departure went smoothly. However, the incident has sparked questions regarding the safety and reliability of the presidential air fleet, particularly in a high-profile international context.
Challenges Facing the Air Force One Fleet
The two aircraft currently serving as Air Force One—Boeing VC-25, a variant of the 747—have been in operation for nearly 40 years. Despite numerous upgrades, these planes have faced criticism due to their age.
They feature radiation shielding, anti-missile technology, and sophisticated communication systems that allow the President to stay connected with the military high command and issue orders from anywhere in the world.
Boeing has been working on new models to replace the current fleet for years, but the program has consistently faced delays and cost overruns.
In this context, last year, Qatar's ruling family gifted Trump a luxurious Boeing 747-8 to be added to the presidential fleet. The aircraft is being modified to meet Air Force One's security standards.
During the incident, Karoline Leavitt humorously remarked, "A Qatari jet sounds much better right now."
Recent Official Aircraft Incidents
This incident is not an isolated case. In February 2025, an Air Force plane carrying then-Secretary of State Marco Rubio had to return to Washington due to a mechanical failure.
And in October, a military aircraft with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on board had to make an emergency landing in the UK because of a windshield crack.
While all these events were resolved without major consequences, they highlight a concerning trend regarding the condition of some aircraft transporting key figures in the U.S. government.
Trump's Journey to Davos
Despite the setback, Trump maintained his travel itinerary to Davos, where he is set to deliver a speech and meet with international leaders.
Accompanying him are members of his team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
The World Economic Forum, held annually in the Swiss Alps, offers a strategic platform to bolster the global presence of the U.S. President.
This time, however, the trip began with an unusual hiccup, leaving a lingering question: How reliable is the most iconic aircraft of American power?
Key Questions About Air Force One's Reliability
What caused the emergency landing of Air Force One?
The emergency landing was prompted by a minor electrical issue detected shortly after takeoff.
How old are the current Air Force One planes?
The current Air Force One aircrafts, Boeing VC-25, are nearly 40 years old and have been subject to criticism due to their age despite numerous updates.
What measures are in place to replace the aging Air Force One fleet?
Boeing has been developing new models to replace the existing fleet, but the project has faced ongoing delays and budget overruns.