Air Force One was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews Tuesday night after the crew detected an electrical problem during takeoff.
President Donald Trump was aboard the aircraft heading to Switzerland when the issue arose.
The unexpected return marked a rare disruption to the President’s travel plans. White House officials moved quickly to arrange alternate transportation for the high-profile international trip.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the incident involved “a minor electrical issue” discovered by the flight crew, Fox 4 KDFW reported.
“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,” Leavitt said in a statement.
No injuries were reported among staff, crew members, or the President. Officials did not specify the nature of the electrical malfunction.
Trump was en route to the World Economic Forum in Davos when the plane turned back. The annual gathering brings together global business and political leaders for high-stakes discussions on economic policy.
Upon landing at Joint Base Andrews, the President and his team were expected to transfer to another aircraft. The White House indicated the trip to Switzerland would proceed as scheduled despite the delay.
Technical issues with Air Force One are uncommon but not unprecedented. The aircraft undergoes rigorous maintenance and safety protocols to ensure presidential security during travel.
