US President Donald Trump’s aircraft, Air Force One, was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland shortly after takeoff on Wednesday after the crew detected a “minor technical snag”.
Trump was
en route to Davos, Switzerland, where he was scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026. The White House said the issue was identified soon after departure, and the decision to turn back was taken as a precaution.
Confirming the development, the Official White House Rapid Response Team said on X: “After takeoff, the AF1 crew identified a minor electrical issue. 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.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also said the trip would continue on a replacement aircraft.
Air Force One is part of a long-standing fleet operated by the US Air Force, with Boeing aircraft serving as presidential planes since 1943, when Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first US president to fly while in office. The current VC-25A aircraft, based on the Boeing 747-200, is among the most recognisable symbols of the US presidency, with next-generation VC-25B aircraft set to replace it in the future.
Trump’s visit to Davos comes amid heightened diplomatic activity, with European leaders expected to use the summit to ease tensions following his recent threats against US allies in the European Union over Greenland.
According to CNN, there is growing concern among European officials, and even some within Trump’s own circle, over the rhetoric, prompting efforts behind the scenes to de-escalate the situation during the global gathering.
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-176897765791833895.webp)
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-176897755626725830.webp)
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-176897759313683314.webp)
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-176897752546023181.webp)
