At a Glance
- Air Force One turned around 60 minutes into flight to Switzerland
- White House cites “minor electrical issue” as reason
- President Trump, 79, still plans to reach World Economic Forum on schedule
- Why it matters: Second aircraft scare for Trump in four months
Air Force One carrying President Donald Trump abruptly reversed course Tuesday night, barely an hour after departing Joint Base Andrews for Switzerland. The sudden U-turn marks the second aviation incident for the president in recent months.
Mid-Flight Turnaround
The aircraft lifted off from Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., at approximately 10 p.m. ET on January 20, 2026. By 11:07 p.m., it had landed back at the same base.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed the turnaround to a “minor electrical issue” detected by the flight crew.
“After takeoff, the AF1 crew identified a minor electrical issue,” 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.”
The Wall Street Journal confirmed the 11:07 p.m. ET landing time at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Destination: World Economic Forum
Trump, 79, was en route to Davos, Switzerland, where he is scheduled to address political and economic leaders at the World Economic Forum. His speech remains set for Wednesday, January 21.
The forum brings together global power brokers annually to discuss economic policy, international relations, and technological advancement. Trump’s appearance was highly anticipated following his return to the White House.
Previous Aviation Incident
Tuesday’s electrical malfunction follows a September 2025 scare involving Marine One. During the final leg of the Trumps’ U.K. state visit, their helicopter experienced a hydraulic failure.
On September 18, 2025, Marine One was transporting the president and First Lady Melania Trump from Chequers to Stansted Airport. The couple had just concluded meetings with Prince William and Kate Middleton.
“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 explained to the White House press pool.
The unexpected landing delayed the Trumps’ departure from London. They eventually boarded a support helicopter to reach Stansted and reunite with Air Force One for their return to Washington.
Response and Next Steps
Leavitt, 28, emphasized that both incidents resulted in safe outcomes. No injuries were reported in either the September Marine One landing or Tuesday’s Air Force One turnaround.
Following the electrical issue discovery, White House protocols activated immediate contingency plans. The presidential team deplaned at Joint Base Andrews while maintenance crews inspected the aircraft.
According to News Of Los Angeles‘s investigation, Trump and his entourage were expected to board an alternate Air Force One aircraft to resume their transatlantic journey. The White House has not disclosed the specific electrical component that malfunctioned.
Olivia M. Hartwell reported that the White House did not immediately respond to additional inquiries about the incident.
Aviation Safety Protocols
Air Force One, a modified Boeing 747, carries advanced electrical systems for communication, navigation, and defensive capabilities. Any electrical irregularity triggers mandatory safety protocols requiring immediate assessment.
The “abundance of caution” phrase used by Leavitt reflects standard operating procedure for presidential aircraft. Safety officials prioritize passenger security over schedule adherence during potential mechanical issues.
Impact on Travel Schedule
Trump’s World Economic Forum appearance remains scheduled despite the aviation delay. The president’s Tuesday night departure delay could compress his preparation time for the Wednesday speech.
World Economic Forum organizers had been preparing for Trump’s address to the assembled dignitaries, business leaders, and policymakers. The event serves as a key platform for setting global economic agendas.
Historical Context
Presidential aircraft incidents, while rare, have occurred throughout aviation history. Mechanical issues forced President Obama to switch aircraft during a 2016 trip to Florida. President Bush experienced similar delays due to technical problems during his administration.
The back-to-back nature of Trump’s aviation incidents – September’s Marine One hydraulic issue and January’s Air Force One electrical problem – represents an unusual pattern for modern presidential travel.
Key Takeaways
- Air Force One returned to base 67 minutes after takeoff due to electrical concerns
- President Trump, 79, was unharmed and planned to continue to Switzerland
- The September Marine One incident marked his previous aviation scare
- White House maintains both events demonstrate effective safety protocols
- Trump’s World Economic Forum speech remains scheduled for January 21
News Of Los Angeles first reported this developing story Tuesday night as the aircraft returned to Joint Base Andrews.
