Air Force One Returns to Andrews Base After Technical Glitch During Trump’s Trip to Davos
US President Donald Trump’s plane, Air Force One, was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews shortly after takeoff on Tuesday due to a technical issue, officials said.
Trump was en route to Davos, Switzerland, where he is scheduled to deliver his keynote address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026.
The White House confirmed that the aircraft experienced a “minor electrical issue” after takeoff. “Out of an abundance of caution, AF1 is returning to Joint Base Andrews. The President and team will board a different aircraft and continue on to Switzerland,” the Official White House Rapid Response Team said in a statement on X.
Air Force One, operated by Boeing, has been the official transport for US presidents since Franklin Roosevelt became the first commander-in-chief to fly in a presidential aircraft in 1943. From the current VC-25A (747-200) to the next-generation VC-25B (747-800), Boeing aircraft emblazoned with the presidential seal and “United States of America” remain one of the most iconic symbols of the US presidency.
Trump’s visit to Davos comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions following his recent remarks about Greenland, prompting European officials to use the WEF summit as a platform to manage the situation. According to CNN, some of Trump’s allies have expressed private concerns over his rhetoric and are seeking a diplomatic off-ramp to ease tensions in Europe. (Agencies)
