Former U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to make a short stop in the UK late Monday or early Tuesday as part of his journey to the Middle East. His aircraft, Air Force One, is expected
to land at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, a U.S. Air Force-operated base, for a quick refueling stop.
Flight restrictions issued by the UK government for the area between 11 p.m. Monday and 4 a.m. Tuesday suggest the anticipated arrival of the presidential aircraft. These restrictions are categorized as necessary for “public safety and security during visits by a head of state.” Additional restrictions have been announced for Friday between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., indicating a possible second refueling stop on Trump's return.
A similar stop at RAF Mildenhall during Trump’s presidency in February 2019 took under 26 minutes, according to U.S. officials.
The visit comes amid controversy surrounding Trump’s potential acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 luxury aircraft from the Qatari royal family. The jet, outfitted in lavish style, is reportedly being offered to replace the aging Air Force One fleet due to ongoing delays in the U.S. government’s aircraft upgrade program.
Trump acknowledged the offer in a post on Truth Social, saying the Department of Defense was receiving the plane “free of charge,” while blaming Democrats for opposing the deal. “The Dems are World Class Losers!!!! MAGA,” he added.
The proposed gift has sparked backlash from both Democrats and Trump’s own supporters. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer criticized the move, citing Qatar’s alleged ties to extremist groups. “We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits,” she wrote on X, adding that Qatar has supported Iranian-backed groups responsible for attacks on U.S. personnel.
Trump is expected to retain the aircraft for personal use post-presidency, with ownership potentially transferring to his presidential library foundation. Photo by John Murphy, Wikimedia commons.
