Air Force One turns back mid-air en route to Davos; Trump to continue trip on another aircraft: What happened?

Air Force One turned around

US President Donald Trump’s Air Force One was forced to return to Washington shortly after taking off for Switzerland on Tuesday evening due to a technical issue, the White House said.

According to officials, the aircraft turned back after the crew detected a minor electrical problem mid-air. “After takeoff, the AF1 crew identified a minor electrical issue. Out of an abundance of caution, AF1 is returning to Joint Base Andrews,” a senior White House official said.

After takeoff, the AF1 crew identified a minor electrical issue. 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. https://t.co/pJ3Jc9NNbS

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 21, 2026

Flight-tracking data showed the plane making a U-turn and heading back toward Joint Base Andrews, while visuals on social media captured vehicles from the presidential motorcade moving toward the base as the aircraft landed.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure. Trump is expected to transfer to another aircraft and continue his journey to Davos, Switzerland, where he is scheduled to attend the World Economic Forum.

“The President and team will board a different aircraft and continue on to Switzerland,” the official added, stressing that the issue was minor and handled as part of standard safety protocols.

According to an AP report, a journalist travelling on the flight said the lights in the press cabin briefly went off shortly after takeoff. The White House has yet to release an official statement on the matter.

The US president is expected to switch to another aircraft and proceed with his planned visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos.