The presidential jet, carrying Trump, members of his entourage and accompanying journalists, departed Joint Base Andrews in Maryland but was compelled to make a U-turn and return to base shortly after 11:00pm local time (04:00 GMT).
United States President, Donald Trump’s journey to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, was disrupted on Tuesday night after an electrical fault aboard Air Force One forced the aircraft to turn back barely an hour after takeoff.
The presidential jet, carrying Trump, members of his entourage and accompanying journalists, departed Joint Base Andrews in Maryland but was compelled to make a U-turn and return to base shortly after 11:00pm local time (04:00 GMT).
The White House confirmed that the decision was taken due to a technical problem affecting the aircraft’s electrical systems.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the incident as stemming from a “minor electrical issue,” stressing that the precautionary return was made to ensure the safety of all those on board.
Following the unexpected disruption, Trump resumed his trip to Davos aboard a smaller Boeing 757. The replacement aircraft, typically used for domestic travel to smaller airports, departed shortly after midnight local time (05:00 GMT) on Wednesday—more than two hours after the original flight had taken off, Aljazeera reports.
Air Force One, distinguished by its classic blue-and-white livery, is one of the most recognisable symbols of the United States presidency.
The current aircraft used under the Air Force One call sign have been in service for nearly four decades. While Boeing has been contracted to produce replacements, the programme has been plagued by repeated delays.
Beyond its symbolic status, Air Force One is heavily fortified with advanced technology. The aircraft is equipped with radiation shielding, antimissile defence systems and sophisticated communications equipment, enabling the president to maintain contact with military and government officials from anywhere in the world. Even so, the latest incident highlights how technical faults can still disrupt presidential travel despite the aircraft’s advanced capabilities.
The disruption adds to a growing list of recent aviation incidents involving senior US officials. Last February, an Air Force One aircraft carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Germany was forced to return to Washington due to a mechanical problem. In October, a military plane transporting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an emergency landing in the United Kingdom after a crack was discovered in its windshield.
Meanwhile, efforts to modernise the presidential fleet continue. Last year, the ruling family of Qatar gifted Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet intended for inclusion in the Air Force One fleet. The aircraft is currently undergoing retrofitting to meet stringent US security and operational requirements.
Despite the delay caused by the electrical fault, Trump ultimately continued his journey and was expected to hold meetings with several world leaders and deliver a speech at the Davos forum.