Trump and Melania make emergency landing in UK after Marine One helicopter scare
STANSTED, LONDON: A minor hydraulic problem forced President Donald Trump’s Marine One helicopter to land at a UK airfield before his departure for the United States, the White House confirmed Thursday.
The incident happened while the president and first lady, Melania Trump, were flying from Chequers, the prime minister’s country estate, to Stansted Airport for their return trip to Washington.
🤣 PRESIDENT TRUMP TO REPORTERS: "Fly safely! You know why I say that? Because I'm on the flight! Otherwise, I wouldn't care!" pic.twitter.com/k6KsX2SBAU
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 18, 2025
Donald Trump and Melania Trump switch helicopters mid-flight
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the problem briefly delayed Marine One’s trip to Stansted Airport.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted Airport,” Leavitt said.
“The president and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter," she added.
The helicopter was scheduled for only a 20-minute flight from Chequers, but the journey stretched to nearly 40 minutes.
The couple then boarded Air Force One without incident for the transatlantic flight home. No injuries were reported.
Donald Trump cracks travel joke after safe landing in Britain
Karoline Leavitt confirmed no risk to Donald Trump and Melania Trump.
The helicopter was grounded at a nearby airfield, where the Trumps moved to a backup aircraft that finished the short leg to Stansted.
The president and first lady had been wrapping up a state visit to the UK, where they received a royal welcome and stayed at Windsor Castle.
After boarding Air Force One, Trump joked with reporters about the experience.
“Fly safely,” Trump said, ending the press session. “You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight. I want to get home, otherwise I wouldn’t care,” he added.
London Stansted Airport, one of Britain’s busiest hubs, often serves US
London Stansted Airport, one of Britain’s busiest hubs, often serves US presidents and visiting dignitaries because of its location and airspace access.
Marine One does not cross the Atlantic on its own. Helicopters such as the VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk are dismantled and flown aboard large US Air Force cargo planes, then reassembled for presidential travel, according to Business Insider and AeroCorner.
The absence of Marine One was first noted by pool reporter Maggie Haberman of The New York Times, who was traveling with the president back to the US.
She observed that when the press staff landed at Stansted, Marine One was not among the helicopters, as per Daily Beast.
The White House later released a statement citing a hydraulic issue.
