Trump’s Plane Returns to US After Minor Electrical Issue, Lands Safely Near Washington DC
Former US President Donald Trump’s aircraft landed safely in the Washington DC area on Wednesday after developing a minor technical issue while en route to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, according to news agencies.
Trump had departed for the annual Davos summit when a fault was detected onboard Air Force One shortly after takeoff. The White House later confirmed that the aircraft experienced a “minor electrical issue,” prompting the decision to return to the United States as a precautionary measure.
According to Associated Press, the flight landed safely at Joint Base Andrews. An AP reporter travelling on the aircraft said that lights in the press cabin briefly went out after takeoff, although no immediate explanation was provided at the time. Roughly 30 minutes into the journey, journalists were informed that the plane would be turning back.
The report added that Trump is expected to continue his trip to Davos after switching to a second aircraft. The US President typically travels on one of two planes that serve as Air Force One.
Aging Air Force One Fleet Under Scrutiny
The incident has once again drawn attention to the age of the Air Force One fleet. The two heavily modified aircraft currently in service have been operating for more than 40 years. While Boeing has been working on replacement planes, the programme has faced repeated delays, according to AP.
In 2025, Qatar’s ruling family gifted Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft, reportedly valued at $400 million, intended for addition to the Air Force One fleet. The move sparked political controversy, with critics describing it as inappropriate. US authorities began retrofitting the aircraft last year to meet presidential security standards, and the process is still ongoing.
Despite the criticism, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reportedly joked to reporters that the Qatari jet “sounded much better” following the technical issue that forced the aircraft to return.
Air Force One planes are extensively modified to protect the US President, featuring advanced communication systems, anti-missile defences, and radiation shielding. These capabilities allow the President to remain in contact with military and government officials and issue commands from anywhere in the world.
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