'Turn immediately!': Spirit Airlines flight came a little too close to Air Force One

President Donald Trump flies out of Palm Beach International Airport on Air Force One Monday, January 01, 2018 after spending the Christmas and New Years holidays in the Palm Beach area.

A Spirit Airlines flight that took off Sept. 16 from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport had a near-miss with Air Force One, carrying President Donald Trump, until an air traffic controller intervened.

While flying over the New York City area, the pilots of Spirit flight 1300 received several warnings from air traffic controllers to move their aircraft away from Air Force One, USA TODAY reported.

The airplane was carrying the president, First Lady Melania Trump and others to the United Kingdom. The Spirit flight was traveling to Boston.

"Pay attention, Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right. Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right now. Spirit wings 1300 turn 20 degrees right, immediately,” the controller said.

After the pilots acknowledged the transmission, a controller said, "Pay attention. Spirit 1300, traffic off your left wing by six mi — er, eight miles, 747. I'm sure you can see who it is. Keep an eye out for him. He's white and blue."

The controller appeared to be impatient with the Spirit pilot and adds, "I've got to talk to you twice every time."

"Pay attention. Get off the iPad," the controller said.

Air Foce One was carrying President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and others to the United Kingdom

Trump traveled to the United Kingdom, where he is expected to meet with King Charles III, Queen Camilla and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, among others.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, special envoy Steve Witkoff, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller are some of the White House officials who have joined Trump on this trip.

NK1300 and AF1 had a bit of an "encounter" today-- ATC was reportedly yelling at NK1300 to get their attention to get them to alter course. Not sure it was a "close call" at all, but since AF1 involved.. I tend to believe the yelling part.Thanks to @petchmo.bsky.social for his help in..
— JonNYC (@xjonnyc.bsky.social) September 16, 2025 at 7:26 PM

A preliminary investigation reportedly showed the Spirit aircraft maintained the required separation.