A helicopter carrying US President Donald Trump was forced to make an emergency landing at Luton Airport on Thursday evening due to what officials described as a “minor hydraulic issue” following the conclusion of his state visit to the United Kingdom. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the aircraft touched down at a “local airfield” as a precautionary measure before later continuing to Stansted, arriving approximately 20 minutes behind schedule. Both the president and first lady were reported safe aboard the support helicopter. Emergency services were deployed on the tarmac at Luton following the precautionary landing. Photographs showed Marine One and Marine Two the two presidential helicopters—parked near the runway. The helicopters, nicknamed “White Tops” for their distinctive paint, are equipped with missile defense systems, radar jammers, and nuclear-blast-resistant electronics. For security, Marine One often flies alongside identical decoys and is typically accompanied by MV-22 Ospreys, or “Green Tops,” carrying Secret Service personnel, support staff, and special forces. President Trump has relied extensively on the helicopter fleet during his second state visit to the UK. He arrived at Stansted late Tuesday before traveling to Winfield House, the US ambassador’s residence in London, and on Wednesday visited Windsor Castle for an audience with the King and Queen. The following day, Trump flew to Chequers, where he held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. 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.
Trump’s helicopter makes emergency landing at Luton
