Spirit Airlines flight diverted after close encounter with Trump's Air Force during UK visit; ‘You can see who it is’

Air Force One narrowly avoided a close encounter with a Spirit Airlines flight during Trump's UK visit, forcing air traffic controllers to alert passenger jet.

Published on: Sep 17, 2025, 21:11:47 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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Amid Donald Trump's ongoing second state visit to the UK, it has been revealed that a passenger plane passed too closely as Air Force One was traveling to the United Kingdom.

US President Donald Trump (C) and US First Lady Melania Trump disembark from Air Force One after landing at Stansted Airport, eastern England, on September 16, 2025, on the first day of a two-day visit to the UK. US President Donald Trump arrived in the UK late Tuesday for a State Visit with his wife, Melania, a rare privilege made at the invitation of King Charles III. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (AFP)

A Spirit Airlines flight was seen traveling toward Stanstead Airport on a similar path as Trump's airplane while the enormous Boeing 747 was soaring over New York.

Air traffic controllers warns pilots, ask them to ‘get off the iPad’

Air traffic controllers alerted the pilots of the passenger jet and they were immediately told to change their path. According to reports, there was not any chance of the planes crossing safety criteria because they were always miles apart.

The Spirit Flight 1300, which was traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Boston did change course.

The frustrated controller urged pilots to "get off the iPad" and "pay attention".

The controller was heard giving instructions in the audio recording, as per he Mirror.

“Spirit 13 hundred, turn 20 degrees right, Spirit 13 hundred, turn 20 degrees right now, Spirit Wings 13 hundred, turn 20 degrees right immediately. Pay attention, Delta 951 Boston Centre, 134.0, Spirit 1300 traffic's off your left wing by six or eight miles, 747.”

Also Read: Top 10 photos of Trump's ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle: From guard of honor to historic carriage procession

Air traffic controller tells pilots; ‘Keep an eye out for him’

The controller even alerted the pilots about Trump, saying, “I'm sure you can see who it is. ”

“It's flight level is 320, maintain 330. Keep an eye out for him, his white and blue,” the pilots were told as per the Mirror.

Trump and First Lady Melania arrived in the UK last night. They were welcomed by Prince William and Kate Middleton, who take them to Windsor Castle as they received ceremonial welcome from King Charles.

The King is expected to welcome the US president with the keynote address.

Melania will be shown an elaborate dollhouse built by Sir Edwin Lutyens more than a century ago by Queen Camilla.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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