Spirit Airlines Flight Near Miss with Air Force One Over Long Island

A Spirit Airlines flight experienced a close encounter with Air Force One while flying over Long Island on August 16, 2023. The Airbus A321, operating as flight NK1300 from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, came within approximately 11 miles of the Boeing VC-25A, which was transporting former President Donald Trump to the UK. Air traffic control (ATC) intervened, instructing the Spirit pilots to change course to ensure safety.

The incident unfolded during a routine flight service by Spirit Airlines, a low-cost carrier based at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The aircraft departed at 08:10 and was tracking along the coastline as it made its way north. The situation escalated as the flight neared Long Island, leading ATC to urgently direct the A321 pilots to turn away from the path of Air Force One.

ATC’s frustration was evident, with one controller reportedly commenting that the Spirit pilots should “get off the iPad,” indicating concerns over their situational awareness. Despite the tense moment, both aircraft maintained a safe distance, and the Spirit flight landed without further incident at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

A spokesperson for Spirit Airlines stated, “Safety is always our top priority. Spirit Airlines flight 1300 followed procedures and Air Traffic Control instructions while en route to Boston and landed uneventfully.”

This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of air traffic management, especially in busy airspace where multiple flights operate in close proximity. With the former president on board, the stakes were particularly high, underscoring the importance of communication between commercial airlines and ATC.

The incident highlights the need for ongoing training and adherence to protocols for all pilots, particularly in scenarios involving high-profile flights. As air travel continues to increase, maintaining safety standards will be crucial in preventing similar occurrences in the future.