Spirit Airlines Flight Ordered to Change Course After Getting Too Close to Air Force One

A tense midair situation unfolded when a Spirit Airlines flight came dangerously close to Air Force One as it carried then-President Donald Trump to London. The incident, which occurred over Long Island, raised serious safety concerns and highlighted the crucial role of air traffic controllers in preventing potential disasters.

According to CBS News, Spirit Airlines Flight 1300 was instructed multiple times by air traffic controllers to alter its course after it was observed flying toward Air Force One. The presidential aircraft, a Boeing 747 painted in its iconic white and blue livery, was maintaining a secure route when controllers noticed the Spirit jet veering uncomfortably close.

ATC audio recordings captured the urgency of the situation, with controllers repeatedly warning the Spirit pilots. At one point, they sternly directed: “Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right immediately… traffic is off your left wing, six to eight miles away. I’m sure you can see who it is. He’s white and blue.”

The proximity raised alarms because even though the FAA later stated that separation requirements were not technically violated, the two aircraft ended up flying parallel to each other about eight miles apart—closer than controllers preferred, especially given the sensitivity of presidential air travel.

Adding to the concern, one controller was heard telling the Spirit pilots to “get off the iPad,” suggesting possible distraction in the cockpit.

Statement by Spirit Airlines

In a statement, Spirit Airlines confirmed that its pilots complied with ATC instructions and landed safely, emphasizing that passenger safety was never compromised. Still, the unusual interaction has reignited debates about cockpit attentiveness, situational awareness, and strict adherence to FAA protocols when sharing airspace with highly protected flights like Air Force One.

For security reasons, Air Force One is given priority handling and significant airspace protection, often requiring other flights to reroute. Aviation experts note that while this situation ended uneventfully, it illustrates the high stakes of air traffic management, especially when the world’s most recognizable aircraft is involved.

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