Trump’s Davos Speech Delayed After Air Force One U-Turn
President Donald Trump is expected to be significantly delayed for his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. This follows an incident involving Air Force One, which turned back mid-flight due to a minor electrical issue.
Delayed Arrival at Davos
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent informed reporters that Trump would likely arrive about three hours later than planned. The President’s replacement flight, a Boeing C-32A, was found over the eastern Atlantic, approximately 1,000 miles from Zurich Airport, traveling at a speed of 560 miles per hour.
Expected Travel Duration
If Trump chooses to travel by helicopter from Zurich to Davos, it would take an additional 30 to 40 minutes. This would place him in the Swiss Alps just before 1:30 PM CET, whereas his speech is scheduled for 2:30 PM CET. However, security checks and preparations may extend this timeline further.
World Economic Forum’s Response
The World Economic Forum released a statement, indicating they are in close contact with the US delegation. They will provide updates should there be any changes to Trump’s schedule.
Air Force One Incident
The disruption occurred on Tuesday night, just 30 minutes into the flight from Joint Base Andrews. Air Force One returned to base approximately 80 minutes after takeoff.
- Air Force One typically operates using a Boeing VC-25A, a modified 747.
- The replacement flight is a Boeing C-32A, generally used for the Vice President.
Previous Travel Delays
This is not the first time that Trump’s travel plans have faced interruptions. During his UK visit last September, a minor hydraulic problem forced Marine One to divert to a different airport, causing only a 20-minute delay.
In summary, President Trump’s Davos speech is delayed due to Air Force One’s technical issues, with updates expected as officials monitor his arrival. El-Balad will continue to provide coverage on the developments as they unfold.
