Trump's Air Force One to Davos takes U-turn after takeoff — what went wrong?

The plane returned to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland as a precaution, according to the White House.

A government motorcade was later spotted heading back to the base, confirming the unexpected change of plans.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision to return was made swiftly after the flight crew detected the technical problem.

What went wrong?

A reporter onboard revealed that the lights in the press cabin briefly went out soon after departure, though no immediate explanation was given at the time.

The White House Rapid Response team also acknowledged the issue on social media, stating that it was identified mid-flight.

“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 statement read.

Trump switches aircraft, resumes journey

Hours after the initial setback, Trump and his entourage switched planes at Joint Base Andrews and departed again just after midnight local time, around two-and-a-half hours after the first takeoff.

The journey to Davos resumed without further reported issues.

Before departure, Trump had described the Switzerland visit as an “interesting trip,” telling reporters, “I have no idea what’s going to happen, but you are well represented.”

Davos agenda and political backdrop

Trump is scheduled to attend the World Economic Forum, where he is expected to engage in tense discussions with European leaders, particularly over his controversial push regarding Greenland.

The trip comes amid heightened geopolitical attention surrounding his foreign policy moves.

Ageing aircraft and replacement delays

The current Air Force One fleet has been in service for nearly four decades.

Boeing has been tasked with developing replacement aircraft, but the programme has faced repeated delays.

Last year, Trump also received a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s ruling family, triggering significant scrutiny.

The aircraft is currently undergoing modifications to meet stringent US security standards.

Leavitt jokingly told reporters that the Qatari jet was “sounding much better” amid the technical hiccup.

Recent history of military flight issues

This is not the first time senior US officials have faced airborne disruptions.

In February last year, an Air Force plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio was forced to return to Washington due to mechanical trouble.

In October, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s aircraft made an emergency landing in the United Kingdom after developing a cracked windshield.