A tense and chilling exchange between air traffic controllers and Spirit Airlines Flight 1300 pilots was captured in audio recordings that have since gone viral. The incident occurred as the plane flew dangerously close to Air Force One, which was carrying President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to the UK for a state visit.
The Spirit Airbus A321, en route from Florida to Massachusetts, was flying parallel to the presidential aircraft just eight miles away while over New York, triggering sharp warnings from controllers. The audio reveals controllers repeatedly ordering the Spirit pilot to turn 20 degrees to the right, delivering commands in an increasingly urgent tone.
đ¨ WOW! Air Traffic Control had to SCREAM at a Spirit Airlines flight who was getting too close to Air Force One
âSpirit 1300 turn 20 degrees right IMMEDIATELY! ⌠Pay attention! Get off the iPad!â
You couldnât PAY me to fly on Spirit at this point.
pic.twitter.com/BUA8d7yWSYâ Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 17, 2025
In one notable moment, a controller barked, âPay attention. Get off the iPad,â underscoring the frustration and the critical nature of the situation. Despite the tense exchanges, the Spirit pilots eventually complied and acknowledged the instructions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later stated that the flight maintained required separation and no safety regulations were breached. Still, the startling audio highlights the behind-the-scenes intensity of air traffic control when protecting high-profile flights.
Spirit Airlines confirmed Flight 1300 followed all procedures and landed safely in Boston, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to safety. Nonetheless, the incident has sparked widespread attention online, especially considering the sensitive nature of flying near the President of the United States.
