Air Force One Turns Around After Takeoff with Trump Onboard for ‘Minor Electrical Issue’

U.S. President Donald Trump waves after landing on Air Force One on January 13, 2026

Air Force One turned around with President Donald Trump on board on Tuesday, Jan. 20
The aircraft was headed for Switzerland, where Trump is expected to speak at the World Economic Forum
The plane turned around on account of a “minor electrical issue,” according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

Air Force One turned around with President Donald Trump on board on account of a “minor electrical issue” on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

“After takeoff, the AF1 crew identified a minor electrical issue,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “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.”

Air Force One returned to Joint Andrews Base in Prince George’s County, Md., at 11:07 p.m. E.T., according to the Wall Street Journal.

Trump, 79, is traveling to the World Economic Forum, held in Davos, Switzerland. The president is expected to deliver a speech before political and economic leaders on Wednesday, Jan. 21, per the outlet.

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The incident occurred just months after Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s helicopter experienced a “hydraulic issue” while flying near London on Sept. 18, 2025.

According to Leavitt, 28, Marine One — the helicopter carrying the president and first lady — made an unexpected landing in the final moments of their U.K. trip, during which they visited Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Following their state visit with the British royal family, the Trumps were traveling a short distance in Marine One from Chequers to Stansted Airport, so that they could reunite with Air Force One and return to Washington, D.C.

“Due to a minor hydraulic issue, and out of an abundance of caution, the [Marine One] pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted airport,” Leavitt shared with the White House press pool, explaining why their departure was delayed.

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“The president and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter,” she added at the time.

PEOPLE reached out to the White House but did not immediately hear back.