President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard the older Air Force One jet rather than the newer $400 million Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar, after U.S. officials detected a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the plane, CBS News reported on July 24, 2026.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated Air Force One, which the U.S. had spent months retrofitting to carry the president. However, for his departure from Turkey to the United Kingdom, he switched to the older Air Force One jet. He then resumed travel on the newer plane for the remainder of his trip back to the United States. This swap raised questions about the security of the new aircraft.

CBS News reported that the decision to use the older plane was made at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion systems to misdirect threats.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "The new Air Force One is perfectly safe for the President's travels, but will receive additional upgrades and enhancements in the fall which will take approximately one month to complete. During that time, the President will fly on the old Air Force One."

The initial report of threats from Iranian proxies was first published by The New York Times. As tensions with Iran increase, President Trump has acknowledged possible threats to his safety, including a recent statement on Truth Social mentioning 1,000 missiles.

Sources