Air Force One Makes Unexpected Return To D.C. Shortly After Takeoff
on Jan 20, 2026
Shortly after taking off from a D.C. area airport, Air Force One was forced to turn around.
Concern was raised Tuesday night when Air Force One, carrying President Donald Trump, returned to Joint Base Andrews. A government motorcade was seen racing to the base with sirens and lights on, causing alarm.
According to press aboard the Boeing 747, the crew identified a “minor electrical issue” and chose to return to the U.S. out of an abundance of caution. It was later reported that the cabin lights briefly went out, indicating an electrical issue.
President Trump was en route to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum where he was to join other world leaders.
Press announced shortly after midnight local time that the president had boarded a replacement aircraft, a Boeing 757, and was once again one his way to Davos.
Trump’s attendance at the forum has drawn significant attention amid the current dispute over Greenland.
A number of world leaders have opted not to attend the meeting in protest of Trump’s recent announcement of tariffs on European countries, which are opposed to his attempt to acquire Greenland.
Trump will be bringing along the “largest U.S. delegation yet” that is set to include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. The president is scheduled to address Davos on Wednesday.
Issues with aircraft carrying government officials are rare, but not unheard of.
In 2012, Air Force Two, carrying then-vice president Joe Biden, was hit by birds but was able to make a safe landing.
Two years later, President Barack Obama was forced to switch planes due to a minor mechanical issue.
And in 2025, two separate incidents occurred. Planes carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had cracked windshields, forcing the aircraft to land.
