Trump had arrived in Turkey via the new jet, which the Qataris had given to him as a gift. However, he left Turkey in the old AF1.
President Trump abruptly announced Wednesday that he would not fly out of Turkey aboard his luxurious new Air Force One.
Many were concerned that the Qatar-donated jet may be vulnerable to Iranian fire as the war resumes. Trump departed the annual NATO summit using the older model of Air Force One, which he had stopped using last week in favor of the $400 million “palace on wings.” The president wrote on social media that the plane switch was so that US troops in England could “tour” the upgrade. That could be a cover story so as to avoid insulting Qatar.
However, speculation swirled after he spent the day repeatedly mentioning Iran’s interest in killing him.
Nathaniel Reed of Scripps wrote, “We are wheels up from Ankara as of 8:43 p.m. We have been advised to keep our window shades in the press cabin closed. See you on the other side (WHPPR).”
The U.S. refitted the Qatari plane for security, so it’s unclear what it lacks compared to the old one. However, there are two AF1s (the call signal is AF1), and there’s no duplicate for the Qatari plane.
It wouldn’t be surprising if they heeded the Iranian threats to his life very seriously.
Nathaniel Reed of Scripps wrote:
Travel pool note #25 // Wheels up 🛫
We are wheels up from Ankara as of 8:43 p.m. We have been advised to keep our window shades in the press cabin closed. See you on the other side.
Megan Messerly
POLITICO
Wed. Jul. 8, 8:44 PM— White House Press Pool Reports (@WHPressPool) July 8, 2026
Reed added, “Old AF1 back in service, amid apparent concerns over the use of the new, Qatar-gifted jet’s security during the ongoing conflict with Iran.”
Old AF1 back in service, amid apparent concerns over use of the new, Qatar-gifted jet’s security during the ongoing conflict with Iran ⤵️ https://t.co/e4cfFgQIBi
— Nathaniel Reed (@ReedReports) July 8, 2026
