A helicopter carrying US President Donald Trump was forced to make an unscheduled landing at London Luton Airport on Thursday evening after developing what officials described as a “minor hydraulic issue.” The incident occurred as Trump was concluding his second state visit to the United Kingdom.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the landing was made purely as a precautionary measure, with emergency services already on standby at the airport.
The aircraft later resumed its journey and reached Stansted Airport around 20 minutes behind schedule. Both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were safely transferred to a support helicopter before continuing their travels.
Eyewitnesses reported heightened activity at Luton as emergency vehicles gathered near the runway. Photographs showed Marine One and Marine Two — the two identical presidential helicopters — parked side by side.
Nicknamed the “White Tops” for their distinctive paintwork, these aircraft are not only symbols of presidential travel but are also equipped with advanced defensive systems, including missile countermeasures, radar jammers, and electronics hardened against nuclear blasts.
For security reasons, Marine One almost never flies alone. It is often accompanied by identical decoy helicopters to disguise which one carries the president, as well as MV-22 Ospreys — known as “green tops” — that transport Secret Service agents, support staff, and special operations units.
During this latest state visit, President Trump relied extensively on helicopter transport to shuttle between key engagements. He arrived at Stansted Airport late Tuesday and proceeded directly to Winfield House, the US ambassador’s residence in London.
On Wednesday, he and the First Lady were received at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The following day, Trump travelled to Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, for high-level talks with Sir Keir Starmer.
At their joint press conference, Trump and Starmer addressed pressing global issues, including the war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza, and migration challenges. Trump drew attention when he suggested that Britain consider deploying its military to tackle illegal migration, a remark highlighting policy differences with the UK leader.
Trump also expressed strong opposition to Britain’s reported intention to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of next week’s United Nations General Assembly session in New York. His comments underscored continuing divergences between Washington and London on Middle East policy, even as both sides emphasized the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership.
The emergency landing, while brief and precautionary, drew public attention due to the high-profile nature of the president’s visit and the heavy security apparatus that accompanies his movements. Despite the disruption, officials confirmed that the president’s schedule in the UK was largely unaffected.
