Kash Patel's aircraft returns to Washington after Iowa trip amid travel scrutiny

Kash Patel's Gulfstream G550 (N708JH) was tracked flying from Des Moines International Airport to Joint Base Andrews on June 29, 2026, landing at 18:54 UTC after a two-hour, seven-minute flight. The aircraft had departed Andrews for Des Moines earlier that same day, making for a quick round trip.

If Kash Patel was aboard, the timing would place him back in Washington as the controversy over his use of the government jet continues to simmer. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin has called for a probe into what he termed "irresponsible joyriding," citing whistleblower allegations that Patel's personal flights delayed high-profile investigations, per a BBC report. [bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqwv03wz1yo?amp%3Bat_campaign=rss)

Des Moines is not among Patel's regular destinations, but the brief visit—likely official business, given the FBI director's security restrictions—adds to a pattern of travel that has drawn fire. The FBI has maintained that all trips comply with federal rules requiring reimbursement for personal use, as noted in an NPR Illinois article. [nprillinois.org](https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-02-25/fbi-director-kash-patel-faces-scrutiny-over-travel-on-government-jet)