Press Cabin Light Issue Or Something Bigger? What Caused Trump's Plane En Route To Davos Make U-Turn

New York: US President Donald Trump's plane, Air Force One, on the way to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum had to return to Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC after a “minor electrical issue” was detected onboard.

After takeoff, the crew of Air Force One identified “a minor electrical issue” and, out of an abundance of caution, the plane was turned around, landing at Joint Base Andrews, according to information provided by reporters onboard the aircraft. 

What happened to Trump's plane

A reporter on board said the lights in the press cabin of the aircraft went out briefly after takeoff, but no explanation was immediately offered. About half an hour into the flight reporters were told the plane would be turning around.

Trump and his entourage will board a new aircraft, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. 

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

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Trump is set to address the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday. He will also participate in a greeting with the forum's leadership, meet foreign leaders and attend a reception with business leaders.

World Economic Forum

On Thursday, on the margins of the World Economic Forum, Trump will participate in the “Board of Peace Charter announcement”, where nations would be invited to sign the charter, joining the body aimed for Gaza's redevelopment under his comprehensive plan to end the conflict.
Davos is hosting global leaders and business heavyweights as the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum began January 19 and will run till January 23.

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Trump's presence at Davos comes amidst tensions between the US and European nations over his push to acquire Greenland and impose tariffs on countries until “a deal” is reached to purchase Greenland.

All about Air Force One

The two planes currently used as Air Force One have been flying for nearly four decades. Boeing has been working on replacements, but the programme has faced a series of delays.
The planes are heavily modified with survivability capabilities for the president for a range of contingencies, including radiation shielding and antimissile technology. They also include a variety of communications systems to allow the president to remain in contact with the military and issue orders from anywhere in the world.

(With inputs from agencies)