On July 9, 2026, President Donald Trump departed Turkey aboard the older model of Air Force One instead of the newly retrofitted plane donated by Qatar. According to people briefed on the situation who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity, the Secret Service advised the president to use the older plane for his departure from Turkey due to its secure communication systems and sophisticated military defenses.

The White House and Air Force maintain that the new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with high-level security protocols. White House communications director Steven Cheung stated, “The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the President and his staff.” The Air Force added that no risk was taken in security, safety, or mission communications, though some less commonly used mission capabilities were deferred.

President Trump took the older, baby blue Air Force One from the NATO summit in Ankara to the Royal Air Force Mildenhall base in the United Kingdom, citing “old times’ sake” and stating the new plane was being brought to Mildenhall for military troops to inspect. When pressed about whether the switch was due to threats from Iran, Trump sidestepped the question but acknowledged he is a top target of Iran.

Reporters aboard the plane were instructed to keep window blinds closed during the flight from Turkey to the U.K., with Trump attributing this to “sleazebags over here.” During the NATO summit, Trump declared the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran “over” and announced renewed U.S. strikes on Iran after accusations that Iran struck ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The decision to use the older plane was described by sources as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing war with Iran, not based on a specific or credible threat. The move highlights ongoing concerns about the new Air Force One, which U.S. officials told CBS News was hurried into service and lacks some desired capabilities.

Additionally, during a gaggle on Air Force One, President Trump told a reporter she would also be killed if Iran struck the jet, underscoring the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Tehran.

Sources