Cliff Notes
- An air traffic controller had to repeatedly instruct a Spirit Airlines flight to turn away to avoid colliding with Air Force One, carrying Donald and Melania Trump, over New York.
- The controller expressed frustration, urging the pilot to “get off the iPad,” while maintaining that both aircraft kept the required safety separation.
- Spirit Airlines confirmed compliance with air traffic control procedures, emphasizing that safety remains their top priority during the flight to Boston.
Air traffic control warns flight to turn away from Air Force One as it brings Trumps to London | US News
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An air traffic controller had to repeatedly warn a flight to turn away from Air Force One’s path as the two aircraft flew over New York on Tuesday.
Air Force One – carrying a London-bound Donald Trump and his wife Melania – was a short while into its journey when the incident took place.
The other plane was travelling from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to Boston, Massachusetts, when a seemingly frustrated air traffic controller eventually told its pilot: “Pay attention. Get off the iPad.”
Follow live: The latest updates from Donald Trump’s state visit
Sky News’ US partner NBC News reports that in a LiveATC (Air Traffic Control) recording, the controller can be heard telling the Spirit Airlines flight to “turn 20 degrees”.
“Pay attention, Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right,” they say. “Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right now. Spirit Wings, 1300 turn 20 degrees right immediately. Pay attention.”
The controller continues asking them to turn away before highlighting the significance of the other flight, adding: “I’m sure you can see who it is.”
They then say: “I got to talk to you twice every time, Spirit 1300… Pay attention. Get off the iPad.”
A source told NBC that the Spirit plane and Air Force One maintained the required separation.
A spokesperson for Spirit said that its flight “followed procedures and Air Traffic Control instructions while en route to Boston”.
“Safety is always our top priority,” they added.
The US president and first lady are in the UK for a second state visit.
They touched down at London’s Stansted Airport on Tuesday night, where they were greeted by the newly-installed Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
The Trumps then travelled to central London by helicopter and spent the night at the US ambassador’s residence Winfield House, in Regent’s Park.
They are now being hosted by the King and Queen at Windsor Castle, where engagements have included a carriage ride, a military parade and a Red Arrows flypast.