Why Air Force One carrying Donald Trump returned mid-air en route to Davos

US President Donald Trumprsquos aircraft Air Force One returned to Joint Base Andrews shortly after takeoff on Tuesday evening while en route to Davos Switzerland according to the Associated Press APThe unexpected turnaround came roughly an hour after departure raising questions about the safety and condition of the aircraft used to ferry the American president across the globeMinor electrical issue detected by flight crewTrump was travelling to Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum 2026 where he is scheduled to deliver a keynote address before global political and business leaders However the journey was briefly interrupted after the flight crew detected what the White House later described as a ldquominor electrical issue reported APWhite House says decision taken as precautionWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision to return was taken soon after takeoff emphasising that the move was made purely as a precaution ldquoOut of an abundance of caution the crew decided to turn the aircraft aroundrdquo she told reporters adding that there was no immediate threat to the president or passengers on board reported APPress cabin lights briefly went out midflightA journalist travelling with the presidential press pool said that the lights in the press cabin briefly went out shortly after departure While no explanation was provided at the time reporters were informed around 30 minutes into the flight that the aircraft would be returning to base reported APTrump to travel to Davos on alternate aircraftTrump is expected to continue his trip to Davos on a different aircraft ensuring that his participation in the highprofile summit remains on schedule His presence at the forum comes at a sensitive moment as he faces mounting diplomatic attention following recent remarks aimed at US allies in the European Union including comments related to Greenland that have stirred debate in international circlesOn 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 Gazas redevelopment under his comprehensive plan to end the conflictDavos is hosting global leaders and business heavyweights as the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum began January 19 and will run till January 23Trumps 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 GreenlandIncident highlights ageing Air Force One fleetThe incident has also renewed focus on the ageing Air Force One fleet The two aircraft currently serving as Air Force One have been in operation for nearly four decades Aerospace giant Boeing has been working on replacement planes but the programme has faced repeated delaysAircraft designed as flying command centresAir Force One aircraft are extensively modified to function as airborne command centres equipped with advanced communications systems radiation shielding and antimissile defences These features allow the US president to remain in constant contact with military and government officials and to issue orders from anywhere in the worldQatargifted Boeing jet undergoing retrofittingLast year Trump accepted a luxury Boeing 7478 jumbo jet gifted by the ruling family of Qatar intended to eventually join the Air Force One fleet The move drew scrutiny and the aircraft is currently undergoing extensive retrofitting to meet strict US security requirements Leavitt even joked to reporters on Tuesday night that the Qatari jet was sounding ldquomuch betterrdquo at the momentAir Force Onersquos long history with US presidentsBoeing notes that it has been transporting US presidents since 1943 when Franklin D Roosevelt became the first commanderinchief to fly while in office From the early Dixie Clipper to todayrsquos VC25A and the future VC25B Air Force One remains one of the most powerful and recognisable symbols of the American presidencyWith inputs from Associated Press