Air Force One Prompts Repeated Warnings to Pilots

Spirit Airlines pilots received multiple urgent instructions to reroute and maintain a safe distance from Air Force One while flying over New York.

On 17/9, British media reported that Spirit Airlines pilots flying over New York received four consecutive warnings from air traffic control to alter their course and avoid Air Force One. The controller repeatedly instructed them to turn right, using forceful language when the pilots did not respond immediately.

"Pay attention! Get off the iPad," the air traffic controller said.

Typically, air traffic control issues a single instruction for a course correction or altitude change, which the pilots acknowledge before proceeding. Repeated instructions are unusual unless the flight crew is completely unresponsive. The controller's insistent urging suggests the situation was considered more urgent than normal.

Flight paths of Air Force One and the Spirit Airlines aircraft on 16/9. Graphics: Telegraph

At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump's Air Force One was taking off from Washington, D.C., and preparing to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

"Six to eight miles off your left wing is a 747, you definitely see it. It's Air Force One, 32,000 feet, maintain 33,000 feet for me. Pay attention, white and blue," the controller told the Spirit Airlines pilots, referring to the presidential aircraft's colors.

According to US media, Air Force One did not appear to be under any threat. The Spirit Airlines flight continued its journey and landed safely in Boston. An airline spokesperson stated, "Safety is always our top priority."