The presidential plane Air Force One, which Donald Trump was on his way to the World Economic Forum in Davos, returned to the military base Joint Base Andrews after identifying a minor electrical problem.
Donald Trump's presidential plane was turned back from the flight. PHOTO Profimedia
US President Donald Trump's Air Force One plane returned to Joint Base Andrews military base about an hour after taking off on Tuesday evening, en route to Switzerland, where the head of state was to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The incident occurred on the evening of January 20, 2026, shortly after takeoff. According to information provided by the White House, the aircraft encountered an electrical problem considered minor, which is why the crew decided to return to base, for safety reasons.
The decision to return was made after the crew on board found the malfunction, shortly after takeoff, according to apnews.
Things are unloaded from Air Force One after the plane experienced an electrical problem PHOTO Pro
A reporter on the plane reported that the lights in the press cabin briefly went out without immediate explanation, and then, about half an hour later, reporters were told that the aircraft would return to Joint Base Andrews.
President Donald Trump and other passengers will continue their journey to the World Economic Forum in Davos aboard two smaller planes. The flight will allow the president to arrive in time for the event in Davos, where important discussions with European leaders are scheduled, including on sensitive topics related to the future of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, a topic that has already sparked international tensions.
Shortly before boarding Air Force One, Trump tweeted that “America will be well represented at Davos – by me”thus expressing his confidence in his role within the forum.
Before his departure, the US president held a press conference of about 90 minutes, during which he provided details of the meetings scheduled in Greenland during the trip and presented his position on the foreign policy of the United States.
During the conference, Donald Trump was asked how far he would go to achieve his goals in Greenland. His answer was short but firm: “You'll Find Out”without ruling out the possibility of using military force to secure US strategic interests. The statement underscores the existing tensions in relations with European leaders and highlights the fact that the topic of Greenland remains an extremely sensitive one in the context of his visit to Davos.
Thus, the journey to Davos continues, and the talks that Donald Trump will hold there will be closely watched by the international community, given both the global economic issues and the geopolitical implications regarding Greenland.
Similar incidents
Currently, the two aircraft that fulfill the role of Air Force One have been in service for almost four decades. Although Boeing is working to replace them, the program has been plagued by several delays. Presidential planes are modified and equipped with special systems that ensure the protection of the president in emergency situations, including defense capabilities and advanced communication systems.
Last year, the Qatari ruling family gave Donald Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 as a gift to be added to the Air Force One fleet, and the aircraft is currently being upgraded to meet strict security requirements and is not yet ready.
The incident of the evening marches is part of a series of technical problems that have appeared in recent years with American military aircraft that transport high-ranking officials.
Last February, an Air Force plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Germany had to return to Washington due to mechanical failure.
Also in October, a military plane carrying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an emergency landing in the United Kingdom after developing a crack in the windshield.
