Air Force One U-Turn Delays Trump’s Davos Speech
President Donald Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos is set to face significant delays due to a mid-flight issue with Air Force One. The anticipation for his address has risen, but complications have arisen that could push his arrival back by approximately three hours.
Air Force One U-Turn Details
According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trump’s replacement aircraft was already airborne over the eastern Atlantic Ocean when reports came in. Flight-tracking data indicated that this Boeing C-32A was around 1,000 miles from Zurich Airport, traveling at a speed of 560 miles per hour.
If Trump opts for helicopter travel from Zurich, he could reach Davos by around 1:30 p.m. CET. However, his scheduled speech is at 2:30 p.m. CET. Preparations and security checks will likely prolong this timeline further.
Timeline and Flight Issues
- Original Departure: Air Force One took off from Joint Base Andrews.
- U-Turn Incident: About 30 minutes into the flight, a minor electrical issue prompted the aircraft to return.
- Return Time: The jet landed approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes post-takeoff.
- Replacement Departure: The replacement plane left an hour after Air Force One returned.
Travel Specifications
Typically, Air Force One operates using a Boeing VC-25A, an older model that has been in service for over 30 years. For this trip, Trump is using a Boeing C-32A, a model generally designated for the Vice President or for shorter runways.
Previous Travel Delays
This is not the first time Trump’s travel has been disrupted by aircraft complications. During his visit to the UK last September, a minor hydraulic issue similarly delayed his helicopter’s arrival at London Stansted Airport. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the incident caused a brief 20-minute delay.
The World Economic Forum is in constant communication with the U.S. delegation to keep attendees updated on any changes regarding Trump’s schedule. Further announcements will be made should there be any updates on the President’s travel plans.
