Air Force One, carrying President Trump to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, turned back shortly after takeoff due to a minor electrical problem. The press secretary confirmed the decision was made out of an abundance of caution. Trump will continue his trip on another aircraft.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 4:17AMPresident Donald Trump 's plane, Air Force One , returned to Joint Base Andrews about an hour after departing for Switzerland on Tuesday evening. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision to return was made after takeoff when the crew aboard Air Force One identified "a minor electrical issue" and, out of an abundance of caution, decided to turn around.
A reporter on board said the lights in the press cabin of the aircraft went out briefly after takeoff, but no explanation was immediately offered. About half an hour into the flight reporters were told the plane would be turning around. Trump will board another aircraft and continue on with his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos. The two planes currently used as Air Force One have been flying for nearly four decades. Boeing has been working on replacements, but the program has faced a series of delays. The planes are heavily modified with survivability capabilities for the president for a range of contingencies, including radiation shielding and antimissile technology. They also include a variety of communications systems to allow the president to remain in contact with the military and issue orders from anywhere in the world. Last year, the ruling family of Qatar gifted Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet to be added into the Air Force One fleet, a move that faced great scrutiny. That plane is currently being retrofitted to meet security requirements. Leavitt joked to reporters on Air Force One Tuesday night that a Qatari jet was sounding "much better" right now.
Air Force One Donald Trump Switzerland Electrical Issue Boeing
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Air Force One returns to Washington area due to minor electrical issuePresident Donald Trump’s plane, Air Force One, is returning to Joint Base Andrews after departing for Switzerland on Tuesday evening.
Read more »
Air Force One returns to Washington area due to minor electrical issue: White HouseWhite House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision to return was made after takeoff when the crew aboard Air Force One identified 'a minor electrical issue.'
Read more »
Air Force One heads back to Washington after minor electrical issue: White HousePresident Donald Trump's plane Air Force One is heading back to the Washington-area after experiencing minor mechanical issues, according to the White House.
Read more »
Air Force One returns to Washington area due to minor electrical issue: White HouseWhite House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision to return was made after takeoff when the crew aboard Air Force One identified 'a minor electrical issue.'
Read more »
Air Force One carrying Trump to Davos turns around after 'minor electrical issue,' Leavitt saysA minor electrical issue forced Air Force One to turn around and return to the U.S. less than an hour after takeoff as it was headed for Switzerland with President Trump aboard, White House officials said.
Read more »
Air Force One returns to Washington area due to minor electrical issue: White HouseWhite House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision to return was made after takeoff when the crew aboard Air Force One identified 'a minor electrical issue.'
Read more »