Air traffic controllers ordered a Spirit Airlines flight to turn away from Air Force One on Tuesday after the commercial jet came close to the presidential aircraft as it flew over Long Island en route to the United Kingdom, recordings and flight data reported by CBS News show.
In the audio, a controller repeatedly told the Spirit crew, "Spirit 1300 turn 20 degrees right," and later admonished, "Pay attention, Spirit 1300 turn 20 degrees right, now." Flight-tracking data cited by the network estimated the Spirit jet, flying from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, was within about 8 miles of Air Force One while flying parallel and up to 11 miles when on a converging path that controllers identified as potentially hazardous. After the Spirit flight complied with instructions, the controllers were heard joking, "Pay attention. Get off the iPad."
Temporary flight restrictions around aircraft carrying the president typically include an outer ring of about 30 nautical miles and an inner ring of approximately 10 miles, according to Flyingmag.com. Controllers handle aircraft within those areas to preserve safe separation between the presidential flight and other traffic.
A Spirit Airlines spokesman told CBS News that the flight followed air-traffic control instructions and "landed uneventfully." The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment early Wednesday. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived in the U.K. for a state visit Tuesday; images from the arrival show the presidential aircraft at Stansted Airport.
The interaction drew attention amid broader scrutiny of the budget carrier. Spirit recently filed for bankruptcy protection for a second time, and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby publicly predicted last week that the carrier could cease operations, remarks that have been widely reported.
Federal air-traffic controllers are responsible for sequencing and separating aircraft in shared airspace, and they can issue immediate maneuvering instructions when traffic conflicts arise. The radio exchanges captured in the recordings reflect that role and show controllers taking direct action to reestablish separation between the commercial jet and the presidential aircraft.
CBS News published the recordings and flight-data analysis, which formed the basis of the details reported about the encounter. The Federal Aviation Administration oversees air-traffic operations and enforces temporary flight restrictions, but agency officials did not immediately provide additional comment beyond the public record.
No damage or injuries were reported, and the Spirit flight completed its planned service to Boston after complying with the controller's instructions. Officials did not indicate that the incident led to any broader operational changes to Air Force One's routing for the visit to the United Kingdom.