Air traffic controllers issued an urgent directive to a Spirit Airlines flight on Tuesday after it came too close to Air Force One, which was transporting President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to the United Kingdom.
Spirit Airlines Flight 1300, en route from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, was flying over Long Island when controllers in New York ordered the pilots to turn right. Audio obtained by an X user captures the controller saying, 'Pay attention. Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right,' and later, 'Spirit 1300 turn 20 degrees, right now.' After a third command, the pilots complied and confirmed they would watch for the 'white and blue' 747.
The controller admonished the crew, saying, 'I gotta talk to you twice every time. Pay attention. Get off the iPad.' Despite the tense exchange, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that both planes maintained required separation distances—at least 1.5 miles lateral and 500 feet vertical—and were never in danger.
A Spirit Airlines spokesperson stated, 'Safety is always our top priority. Spirit Airlines flight 1300 followed procedures and Air Traffic Control instructions while en route to Boston and landed uneventfully.'
Air Force One was carrying the Trumps to London for a second state visit with King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marking the first time a U.S. president has been invited for such a repeat visit. The couple arrived late Tuesday and participated in a carriage procession at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, with a state banquet scheduled for the evening.
