
Donald Trump's Air Force One flight to London got dangerously close to another plane while travelling in the skies of New York, it has been reported. The US President's Air Force One and Spirit Flight 1300, an Airbus A321 flying from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, were approaching Long Island when an air traffic controller observed their altitudes were close.
He also noticed that their flight paths were converging and attempted to warn the pilots of the Spirit flight to adjust their course. The planes remained miles apart and were reportedly not in danger of breaching safety thresholds but the Spirit Flight 1300 did change its direction after being reminded to "pay attention" and "get off the iPad" by the frustrated controller.
The encounter was first posted first by the @JonNYC account on the Bluesky media app. The unverified audio was shared by @thenewarea51 on X.
"Pay attention, Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right," the controller said after the airline crew ignored his initial message. "Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees RIGHT NOW."
Raising his voice again, the controller commanded: "Spirit Wings 1300 turn 20 degrees RIGHT. IMMEDIATELY."
Finally the Spirit pilots acknowledged the routing change.
"Spirit 1300, traffic's off your left wing by 6 miles, or 8 miles. 747. I'm sure you can see who it is," the controller said, referring to the blue Air Force One aircraft. "I'll keep an eye out for him, he's white and blue."
And the New York controller gave one final warning to the Spirit crew: "Pay attention! Get off the iPad!"

Mr. Trump and First Lady Melania arrived in the UK safely last night for a state visit. They are scheduled to meet the King and Queen at a state banquet this evening.
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