LONDON: A US President Donald Trump helicopter was diverted to the Luton Airport on Thursday evening after developing what officials had termed as a “minor hydraulic issue” after his state visit to the United Kingdom.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported the plane made a precautionary landing at a “local airfield” before subsequently making the journey to Stansted, about 20 minutes behind schedule.
Emergency responders were spotted on the apron of Luton after the precautionary landing
US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump exit the secondary Marine One helicopter after the main Marine One helicopter had a mechanical problem after leaving Chequers, at London Standsted Airport in Britain on September 18, 2025. — Reuters
US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump exit the backup Marine One helicopter following the primary Marine One helicopter encountering a mechanical problem following its departure from Chequers, London Standsted Airport in Britain, September 18, 2025. — Reuters
LONDON: Donald Trump’s helicopter was compelled to make an emergency landing at the Luton Airport on Thursday night after it suffered a “minor hydraulic issue” shortly after US President Trump concluded his state visit of the United Kingdom.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained the plane had touched down at a “local airfield” as part of a precautionary step before later going on to Stansted, coming in some 20 minutes late.
Both the president and first lady boarded the support helicopter safely, she added.
Emergency crews were spotted on the runway at Luton after the precautionary landing. Photos revealed Marine One and Marine Two – the two presidential helicopters standing near the runway.
The “White Tops” due to their paint job, are specially equipped with missile defence systems, radar jammers and blast-resistant nuclear electronics.
Trump helicopter lands in emergency at Luton
For security purposes, Marine One sometimes flies in tandem with lookalike decoys and is normally escorted by MV-22 Ospreys, or “green tops”, which transport Secret Service agents, support staff and special forces.
President Trump has used the helicopter fleet extensively on his record-breaking second state visit to the UK. He flew into Stansted late on Tuesday before making his way to Winfield House, the US ambassador’s home in London.
On Wednesday, he and the first lady received an audience with the King and Queen at Windsor Castle. He had bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer the next day at Chequers.
At a joint news conference, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including Ukraine, Gaza and illegal migration. Trump suggested Britain could consider deploying the military to address migration – a remark that underscored differences with Starmer.
The US president also voiced his opposition to the UK’s plan to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.
