When Presidents fly: What the world does about personal trips on official aircraft

From Obama's New York “date night” to Trudeau's family holidays and Modi's campaign flights, global leaders repay personal costs — they don’t face arrest.

- BY S VENKAT NARAYAN

Should a Head of State or Government be arrested for using official aircraft on a personal trip? The question has surfaced in Sri Lanka’s political discourse in recent weeks, with sharp criticism aimed at President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

To place this debate in perspective, it is useful to look at how other democracies manage the tricky overlap between official security needs and private family life.

In many democracies across the globe, Heads of State and Government are obliged to use official aircraft for security reasons even when on personal or political trips. The practice often draws criticism, but the global norm is reimbursement of personal costs and political accountability not arrest.

From Barack Obama’s “date night” with Michelle in New York to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign flights and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's family vacations, the examples show how clear rules, not criminal charges, guide such matters abroad.

Obama’s “Date Night”

In May 2009, then U.S. President Barack Obama took his wife Michelle on a weekend “date night” from Washington to New York. The couple dined at a Manhattan restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine and attended a Broadway show.

As is standard procedure, the President and First Lady travelled aboard Air Force One, accompanied by the usual security detail. What caught the headlines was the estimated cost of deploying the presidential aircraft and support staff for what was, essentially, a private outing.

The White House explained that the Obamas paid personally for their theatre tickets and restaurant meal. What taxpayers covered were the unavoidable security and transportation costs.

Critics in Congress complained about extravagance during an economic downturn. But there was no suggestion of illegality, let alone grounds for arrest. Within weeks, the controversy died down.

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