Air Force One, carrying President Donald Trump, was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night after a minor electrical issue was detected shortly after takeoff on his way to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the crew identified the fault soon after departure and, out of an abundance of caution, the aircraft was directed back to its home base.

Reporters onboard experienced a brief flicker of lights in the press cabin before the decision to return was communicated and executed.

The president’s schedule to address global political and economic leaders at the forum was disrupted, prompting a change in aircraft.

After landing safely at Joint Base Andrews, Mr. Trump transferred to an Air Force C-32, a modified Boeing 757 often used for presidential travel to locations with smaller runways, and continued his journey to Switzerland.

The substitution ensured he remained on track to participate in scheduled sessions despite the unexpected interruption.

The current Air Force One planes have been in service for nearly four decades and are undergoing eventual replacement, with delivery of new aircraft delayed.

This latest incident, although precautionary and non-injury-related, highlights ongoing operational challenges with the aging fleet.

Ms. Leavitt quipped that a newer Boeing 747-8, gifted by Qatar’s royal family and undergoing refitting for presidential use, sounded appealing in light of the episode.

The president’s delayed arrival in Davos is expected to slightly adjust his appearance schedule at the forum, where he is set to deliver remarks on the U.S. economic outlook and global strategic priorities.

The U.S. delegation has remained in close contact with forum organisers to adapt to the timing change as security and logistical arrangements continue to be finalised.