An air traffic controller repeatedly warned a Spirit Airlines flight to change course Tuesday as it came close to Air Force One, which was carrying President Donald Trump to the United Kingdom, according to LiveATC audio cited by NBC News.
The incident occurred over New York as Spirit Flight 1300, en route from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, shared airspace with the presidential aircraft.
“Pay attention, Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right,” the controller urged, NBC News reported. The warnings escalated with commands like, “Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right now. Spirit Wings, 1300 turn 20 degrees right immediately. Pay attention.”
Despite the urgent tone, a source told NBC that both planes maintained the required separation. The controller, however, underscored the seriousness of the situation with the remark, “I’m sure you can see who it is.”
Spirit Airlines said the aircraft “followed procedures and Air Traffic Control instructions while en route to Boston.” The plane landed without incident at Logan International Airport.
The White House did not immediately comment.