Two Spirit Airlines pilots were reprimanded after flying too close to Air Force One during President Trump’s UK trip on September 17, 2025. The incident occurred over Long Island, New York, shortly after Air Force One took off from Joint Base Andrews.
- Pilots admonished for flying near Air Force One
- Incident occurred during Trump's UK travel
- Air traffic control grew impatient with pilots
- Flight paths crossed over Long Island Sound
- Pilots followed procedures and landed safely
- Trump met with King Charles III in London
While Air Force One was flying from Andrews to London, Spirit Flight 1300 from Fort Lauderdale to Boston was nearby. Air traffic control directed the Spirit pilots to turn 20 degrees right and warned them multiple times about the military jet, which was visible as a white and blue aircraft. The controllers expressed frustration, telling the pilots to pay attention and avoid distractions like iPads. The planes crossed over Long Island Sound about a minute apart, with Spirit 9,000 feet below Air Force One. The pilots followed instructions and landed safely, but the incident drew attention to air traffic safety concerns during high-profile flights.
- Air traffic control issued multiple warnings to Spirit pilots about Air Force One’s position.
- The planes crossed paths over Long Island Sound, with Spirit 9,000 feet below Air Force One.
- Controllers expressed frustration, telling pilots to focus and avoid distractions like iPads.
- The incident happened during President Trump’s UK trip, with Air Force One arriving in London later that evening.
The event highlights the importance of strict air traffic management during major diplomatic and presidential flights. Despite the warning, the Spirit flight landed without incident, and safety remained the top priority. The episode underscores the need for pilots to maintain situational awareness during busy airspace.
