A Spirit Airlines flight was reprimanded on Tuesday as air traffic controllers ordered it to turn away from Air Force One, which was carrying President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
The incident happened over Long Island, New York, as the president and first lady were en route to the United Kingdom for a state visit with King Charles III.
While the planes were never at what the Federal Aviation Administration would consider an unsafe distance, they were closer than the controllers deemed wise.
“Pay attention. Spirit 1300 traffic off your left wing by 6 miles — or 8 miles, 747. I’m sure you can see who it is. Keep an eye out for him — he’s white and blue,” controllers said. “Pay attention. Get off the iPad.”
In another urgent message, a controller radioed: “Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right.”
“Pay attention, Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right. Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right now. Spirit wings 1300, turn 20 degrees right, immediately,” he said, according to recordings from liveatc.net.
The FAA issued a statement on the incident saying, “Preliminary investigation shows aircraft maintained the required separation,” according to CBS News.
The president’s flight landed safely in the U.K. without further incident. Trump arrived at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
The debacle between Spirit Airlines and Air Force One comes after multiple recent aircraft violations from planes flying over Bedminster, New Jersey, where Trump often stays at his golf club.
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At least five general aviation aircraft violated the temporary flight restriction airspace over the weekend, according to the U.S. Air Force.
Military fighter jets had to intercept one of the civilian planes with flares to draw the pilot’s attention on Sunday, in one such incident.