Air Force One Returns Mid-Flight, Disrupting Trump’s Journey to Davos

US President Donald Trump’s journey to the World Economic Forum in Davos was interrupted by a technical setback. Air Force One, the iconic aircraft used by the president, had to make an unexpected return shortly after takeoff.

Flight Details

Initially departing Joint Base Andrews in Maryland just after midnight local time on January 21, 2026, Air Force One encountered a minor electrical issue. This led to a U-turn approximately one hour into the flight.

Return to Base

By 11:00 PM on January 20 (04:00 GMT), the aircraft returned to its base, causing a significant delay in the president’s travel plans.

Resumption of Journey

After resolving the issue, Trump continued his journey on a smaller Boeing 757, typically reserved for domestic travel. This flight took off more than two hours after the initial attempt, allowing the president to finally head to Davos.

Significance of Air Force One

• Air Force One is a symbol of the US presidency, recognized worldwide.
• The aircraft currently in use have been operational for nearly 40 years.
• Replacement plans have faced delays despite being under development by Boeing.

Aircraft Features

The planes are equipped with advanced security features, including radiation shielding and antimissile technology. They also contain sophisticated communication systems to ensure the president remains connected with military forces globally.

Recent Developments

In a notable gift, the ruling family of Qatar recently provided Trump with a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet. This addition is currently undergoing retrofitting to fulfill necessary security standards.

During the flight’s return, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt humorously commented that the Qatari jet was sounding “much better” now.

Incidents with Air Force One

Previous complications with Air Force One have included a flight last February carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which returned to Washington due to mechanical issues. Additionally, in October, a military plane carrying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an emergency landing in the UK due to a cracked windshield.

These incidents highlight the complexities and challenges involved in maintaining a secure and reliable presidential transportation fleet.