Air Force One was caught in a tense mid-air moment on Tuesday as it carried President Donald Trump to Britain for a historic state visit. Reports from CBS and Bloomberg say the president’s plane crossed paths with a Spirit Airlines jet in U.S. airspace, forcing air traffic control to step in and give urgent instructions.
The incident reportedly unfolded over Long Island, where Spirit Airlines Flight 1300, an Airbus A321 traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, appeared to be flying on a converging course with Air Force One. Recordings shared by aviation enthusiasts at liveatc.net reveal the intensity of the exchange between the controller and the Spirit pilots.
At one point, the controller can be heard raising his voice and demanding immediate action. “Turn twenty degrees right now,” he repeated, adding, “traffic’s off your left wing by … eight miles. I’m sure you can see who it is. Keep an eye out for him — he’s white and blue.” The recording even captured the controller’s growing frustration: “Pay attention. Get off the iPad.”
Spirit Airlines pilots scolded by air traffic control for flying too close to Air Force One: ‘Get off the iPad!’ https://t.co/W5VVazPdti pic.twitter.com/cxhTiTjk4p
— New York Post (@nypost) September 17, 2025
Spirit Airlines later responded, saying its crew followed procedures and landed safely in Boston. “Safety is always our top priority,” a spokesperson said in a statement to the Daily Mail.
FlightRadar data suggests the two aircraft came within roughly 11 miles of each other. While that distance may sound wide, in controlled skies with the U.S. president on board, the situation was taken seriously.
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
Despite the scare, President Trump landed safely in London on Tuesday evening. His arrival marks his second state visit to the United Kingdom, and the welcome is being described as one of the most elaborate in living memory. King Charles and the royal family are set to host Trump at Windsor Castle with a carriage procession, gun salutes, a military flypast, and a lavish banquet.
Security for the trip is tight. More than 1,600 officers have been deployed in London alone, with police preparing for demonstrations organized by the “Stop the Trump Coalition.” Protests have already begun in Windsor, though British officials say the visit is designed to highlight the strength of the “special relationship” between the U.S. and the U.K.
The visit also carries major economic weight. American tech companies have pledged investments worth billions. Microsoft announced a $30 billion plan over four years, including construction of Britain’s largest supercomputer to advance artificial intelligence. Google committed £5 billion ($6.8 billion) to expand its AI and cybersecurity efforts while creating thousands of jobs. Financial giants like Bank of America, BlackRock, Citi, PayPal, and S&P Global are also expanding UK operations, with combined investments of around £1.75 billion.
Beyond technology, the visit is expected to deliver new cooperation on nuclear and space projects. A partnership between Centrica and U.S. firm X-energy could see 12 advanced modular nuclear reactors built in Hartlepool, potentially powering 1.5 million homes and generating billions for the local economy.
While Tuesday’s close call in the skies made headlines, the focus now shifts to what could be one of the most consequential state visits in decades. With promises of job creation, massive investment, and strengthened defense ties, Trump’s trip is being closely watched on both sides of the Atlantic.
