Trump was on his way to the WEF in Davos, Switzerland when the crew on board the plane identified “a minor electrical issue” according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The precautionary decision was made to turn around. Lights in the press cabin of the aircraft reportedly went out briefly before takeoff without an explanation.

Reporters on board were told around half an hour into the flight that it would be turning around. The president will board another aircraft to continue his journey to Davos, where his arrival is expected to heighten tensions.

There are currently two planes used as Air Force One that have been flying for nearly four decades. Boeing have been working on replacements but there has been delays.

The aircrafts are modified to be suitable for a range of contingencies, including radiation shielding and antimissile technology. They are also equipped with communications systems that allow Trump to contact the military and give orders from the air.

The ruling family of Qatar gifted Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet to be added to the Air Force One fleet last year. This was widely scrutinised and is currently being altered to meet secruity standards.

Reporters claimed that after the issue on Tuesday evening Leavitt joked to them on Air Force One that a Qatari jet was sounding “much better” right now.

In February 2025, an Air Force plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Germany had to return to Washington because of a mechanical issue.