JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD — A high-stakes flight to Switzerland turned into an unexpected homecoming for President Donald Trump on Tuesday night, January 20, 2026. Shortly after takeoff for the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Air Force One was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews following a technical malfunction.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the mid-air incident, stating that the crew identified a “minor electrical issue” and elected to turn back “out of an abundance of caution.”
1. The Incident: Lights Out Over the Atlantic
Reporters traveling with the President aboard the VC-25A aircraft (the military version of the Boeing 747-200B) provided a firsthand look at the moment things went wrong.
- Cabin Blackout: According to on-board reports, the lights in the press cabin flickered and went out briefly shortly after the plane reached cruising altitude.
- The U-Turn: Flight tracking data showed the aircraft making a sharp turn over the Atlantic Ocean before heading back toward the D.C. area.
- Emergency Response: Social media footage captured the president’s motorcade racing back toward the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews as the plane touched down safely.
2. The Solution: A Swap and a Joke
Despite the delay, the president’s mission to Davos remains on track.
- The Backup Plane: The President and his senior team were expected to board a backup Air Force One aircraft—traditionally kept in a high state of readiness—to resume the journey to Switzerland.
- The Qatari Jet Quip: In a lighthearted moment amidst the tension, Karoline Leavitt joked to the press pool that the luxury Boeing 747-8 gifted to Trump by the ruling family of Qatar last year was sounding “much better right now.” That plane is currently being retrofitted with secure communications for official use.
3. Why the Malfunction Matters
The incident has reignited the debate over the aging presidential fleet.
- 40-Year-Old Tech: The two primary planes used as Air Force One have been in service for nearly four decades.
- Replacement Delays: While Boeing is currently working on two new 747-8s to replace the current fleet, the program has faced years of delays and billions in cost overruns.
- Davos Agenda: The delay puts Trump on a tight schedule. He is expected to unveil his controversial “Board of Peace” for Gaza and finalize the founding membership list during the summit.
Air Force One Status Update (Jan 21, 2026)
| Event | Details |
| Official Cause | Minor Electrical Issue (identified after takeoff). |
| Flight Path | Joint Base Andrews ➔ Atlantic U-Turn ➔ Joint Base Andrews. |
| Passenger Status | The president and staff reported safe; no injuries. |
| Contingency Plan | Boarding backup aircraft; Davos schedule remains active. |