Trump’s plane nearly crossed by Spirit jet in crowded New York skies

A Spirit Airlines passenger jet came uncomfortably close to a Boeing 747 carrying US President Donald Trump to London on September 16, as both aircraft crossed paths in the crowded airspace over New York.

Air Force One and Spirit Flight 1300, an Airbus A321 en route from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, were flying over Long Island when an air traffic controller noticed their altitudes were similar and their flight paths were converging, according to Bloomberg.

The controller attempted to alert the Spirit crew to adjust course.

Although the planes remained miles apart and never breached aviation safety thresholds, the near encounter quickly drew attention online — both because of the presence of the presidential aircraft and due to the increasingly sharp tone of the New York-based controller’s radio commands.

AIR FORCE ONE and Spirit Airlines flt NK1300 got too close over Long Island, New York for Air Traffic Control and get’s yelled at including getting told “GET OFF THE IPAD”! 😂

Tip via @xJonNYC
Audio via @liveatc & Tracking via @ADSBex pic.twitter.com/sLJ0rip8sG

— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) September 17, 2025

The first report of the incident appeared on the Bluesky account @JonNYC, while the audio recordings were later shared on X by @thenewarea51.

“Pay attention, Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right,” the controller repeated after the Spirit pilots did not respond to his initial instruction. Raising his voice, he continued: “Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees RIGHT NOW. Spirit Wings 1300, turn 20 degrees RIGHT. IMMEDIATELY.”

The Spirit crew eventually acknowledged the directive. The controller then informed them: “Spirit 1300, traffic’s off your left wing by 6 miles, or 8 miles. 747. I’m sure you can see who it is.” He went on to describe the aircraft as “white and blue,” referring to the iconic Air Force One livery.

Before concluding the exchange, the New York controller added a final admonition to the Spirit pilots: “Pay attention! Get off the iPad!”

By Tamilla Hasanova