“Due to a minor hydraulic issue, and out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted airport,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “The president and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter.”

Trump arrived roughly 20 minutes behind the traveling press pool, but the White House did not provide an explanation for the delay before Air Force One took off for Washington.

TRUMP SAYS PUTIN ‘LET ME DOWN’ AS RUSSIA-UKRAINE PEACE DEAL STALLS

During a gaggle with reporters shortly after takeoff, Trump joked that he hoped they all made it home safely.

“Fly safely. You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight,” he said with a laugh. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t care.”