WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s aircraft, Air Force One, made an unexpected return to Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday evening, roughly an hour after setting off for Switzerland.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the crew decided to turn back shortly after takeoff upon discovering “a minor electrical issue.” She noted that the decision was made as a precautionary measure.

A journalist traveling with the president reported that soon after departure, the lights in the press area of the plane flickered off briefly. No immediate explanation was given, but about 30 minutes into the journey, it was announced that the aircraft would head back to the base.

President Trump is expected to switch to another plane to continue his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The current Air Force One fleet, consisting of two aircraft, has been in operation for nearly 40 years. Boeing is working on replacements, although the initiative has experienced multiple delays. These planes are extensively customized with advanced survivability features, such as radiation shielding and antimissile defenses. They are also equipped with sophisticated communication systems that enable the president to stay in contact with military forces and issue commands globally.

Last year, the ruling family of Qatar gifted Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet to be added into the Air Force One fleet, a move that faced great scrutiny. That plane is currently being retrofitted to meet security requirements.

Leavitt joked to reporters on Air Force One Tuesday night that a Qatari jet was sounding “much better” right now.

Last February, an Air Force plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Germany had to return to Washington because of a mechanical issue. In October, a military plane carrying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had to make an emergency landing in United Kingdom due to a crack in the windshield.