• Spirit Airlines Flight 1300 received urgent warnings while near Air Force One.
• Air traffic controllers scolded the pilots for failing to promptly follow instructions.
• The incident occurred over Long Island, New York, as President Trump traveled to the UK.
• Spirit Airlines asserted the pilots adhered to safety protocols and landed without incident.
• No unsafe distance was recorded according to FAA standards.

On Tuesday, Spirit Airlines flight 1300 was involved in a close encounter with Air Force One as it traveled from Fort Lauderdale to Boston. Air traffic control repeatedly instructed the pilots to "turn 20 degrees right" to avoid a proximity issue with President Trump's aircraft, which was flying to the United Kingdom. The controller expressed frustration after multiple transmissions went unacknowledged, commenting, "Pay attention. Get off the iPad," highlighting concerns about pilot distraction, according to CBS News and Newsweek.

The incident took place while Air Force One was flying about eight miles from Spirit Flight 1300 over Long Island, N.Y. Audio recordings from LiveATC.net show the controller repeatedly urging the pilot to acknowledge instructions, emphasizing, “Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right, now." Though the aircraft were never considered dangerously close under FAA regulations, the encounter raised eyebrows among aviation experts, noted in reports from ABC News and Business Insider.

Spirit Airlines maintained that their pilots followed all air traffic control procedures and maintained safe distances during the flight. A spokesperson stated, "Safety is always our top priority," reinforcing their compliance with regulations, according to India Times and The Hill. The Spirit flight later landed safely at Boston Logan Airport.

As President Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump, continued their journey to London for a state visit, the incident served as a stark reminder of the complexities of air traffic management, especially concerning VIP flights. Controllers indicated that the situation was resolved without any safety breaches, as highlighted by BBC News.