Marine One carrying Trump, Melania makes emergency landing at UK airfield after hydraulic issue
As the chopper landed at Luton, emergency services were waiting on the tarmac. The President and the First Lady later boarded a support helicopter, reaching their destination, Stansted Airport, about 20 minutes behind schedule.
New Delhi: Marione One chopper with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump onboard made an emergency landing while they were returning to Stansted Airport in London on the last day of their state visit to the UK. The chopper was forced to divert to Luton and land at a local airfield after developing technical glitch. The incident took place on Thursday when Trump concluded the official trip to the United Kingdom.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the helicopter made emergency landing due to a "minor hydraulic issue.” "Out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted Airport," Leavitt said.
Trump, Melania boarded support helicopter
As the chopper landed at Luton, emergency services were waiting on the tarmac. The President and the First Lady later boarded a support helicopter, reaching their destination, Stansted Airport, about 20 minutes behind schedule. "The President and First Lady safely boarded the support helicopter," Leavitt said.
Leavitt said that Trump and Melania later flew to the US aboard Air Force One. Speaking to reporters, he joked about having a safe flight. . "Fly safely. You know why I say that? Because I'm on the flight. I want to get home, otherwise, I wouldn't care," he was quoted as saying by The Sun.
Trump's UK visit
Trump arrived in the UK this week for two-day visit where he received a royal reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III at Windsor Castle and met with UK PM Starmer at his country residence, Chequers.
On Thursday, Trump and Starmer held a joint press conference where they emphasised on countries' long and close ties. This was Trump's second state visit to the UK.
Trump said Thursday that he was "tremendously thankful” for the pageantry and splendour lavished on him during his visit. He wrapped up the trip on Thursday that majorly dodged public disagreements over difficult trade and geopolitical issues.