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Air Force One Turns Back Over ‘Minor Electrical Issue’ as President Continues to Davos on Backup Jet

Safety protocols triggered a return to base, with a backup aircraft preserving the president's Davos schedule.

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND - JANUARY 20: U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One as he leaves Washington for Switzerland on January 20, 2026 in Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Trump is traveling to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
People disembark from Air Force One after returning to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on January 20, 2026.
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Overview

  • The White House said the crew identified a minor electrical issue shortly after takeoff and returned to Joint Base Andrews out of caution.
  • Air Force One landed at 11:07 p.m., according to a White House statement, before the president transferred to an Air Force C-32 for the trip.
  • Pool reporters noted the press cabin lights briefly went out after departure, and observers saw staff and luggage being offloaded after landing.
  • Flight-tracking data showed the jet reversing course over the Atlantic near Montauk before heading back to the Washington area.
  • Coverage highlighted the aging VC-25A fleet and delays in Boeing’s replacement program, with a gifted 747-8 from Qatar still being retrofitted as the president arrived in Switzerland after a delay.