Overview

• Spirit Flight 1300, an Airbus A321 from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, was instructed multiple times to turn as it converged with the route of Air Force One carrying President Donald Trump to the United Kingdom.
• LiveATC audio captured the New York Center controller telling the crew to “turn 20 degrees right,” admonishing, “Pay attention” and “Get off the iPad.”
• Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft remained several miles apart, variously reported around 7 to 11 miles, with no breach of required separation per the FAA’s preliminary review.
• Spirit Airlines said the flight followed air traffic control instructions and landed uneventfully in Boston, emphasizing that safety is its top priority.
• The exchange spread quickly after posts by aviation-focused accounts on BlueSky and X, drawing attention to pilot responsiveness and controller workload in congested New York airspace.