Trump Uses Older Air Force One to Leave Türkiye After NATO Summit, Switches to Qatar-Gifted Jet in UK

U.S. President Donald Trump did not use the newly acquired Air Force One, gifted by Qatar, to depart Türkiye following the NATO summit, instead opting to travel on the older presidential aircraft before switching to the new jet in the United Kingdom.

According to Trump, the new aircraft was flown ahead to RAF Mildenhall in England so that U.S. military personnel stationed there could be the first to see and tour it.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, "Everyone is very excited. We thought they should have the opportunity to see it first. Out of respect for tradition, we'll return from Türkiye on the old Air Force One."

The change in travel plans during the aircraft's first overseas deployment sparked speculation over the jet's security capabilities, particularly after renewed U.S. military strikes involving neighboring Iran heightened regional tensions.

The New York Times reported Wednesday night that the decision was made at the request of the U.S. Secret Service as a precautionary security measure. Citing anonymous sources, the newspaper said the newly refurbished aircraft has not yet been equipped with all the defensive systems available on the existing Air Force One fleet. However, the report emphasized that the decision was not prompted by any specific or credible threat.

During the flight, journalists traveling aboard the aircraft were instructed to keep the cabin window shades closed, although no official explanation was provided.

At a subsequent news conference, Trump declined to directly address questions about the security arrangements but referred to what he described as previous Iranian assassination threats against him.

"I talk about it often because the life of a president is very dangerous," he said.

Later, speaking to reporters aboard the new Air Force One, Trump remarked, "Because of the people we have to deal with, you're probably on a dangerous flight as well."

Without citing any immediate intelligence, he went on to describe Iranian leaders as "sick-minded people."

Asked whether he was aware of any credible threat from Iran, Trump replied, "I'm always under threat. I'm number one on their list."

The Boeing 747-8 aircraft was presented to Trump last year as a gift from Qatar's ruling family after he had repeatedly criticized the condition and age of the two presidential aircraft that have been in service since 1990.

The aircraft underwent rapid refurbishment and the installation of additional security systems before making its first official flight carrying Trump on July 1.

The redesigned Air Force One features a new red, white and dark blue livery, replacing the traditional white and light blue color scheme used for decades.

The United States is also expected to receive two entirely new Boeing-built Air Force One aircraft later this decade after years of production delays.

The acceptance of an aircraft reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars from a foreign government has drawn criticism from opponents, who have raised concerns over ethics, constitutional legality and national security.