A sharp-eyed air traffic controller may have prevented a dangerous encounter involving Air Force One, the presidential aircraft carrying President Donald Trump and Melania Trump during an official state visit to Great Britain. The incident occurred shortly after departure from Washington, D.C., as the president’s plane traveled northeast over New York.

At cruising altitude of 32,000 feet, Air Force One was reportedly within 8 miles of a Spirit Airlines flight on a converging trajectory. The Spirit Airlines aircraft, flying at the same elevation, risked crossing paths with the presidential jet. According to audio recordings of communications between the air traffic controller and the pilot, the latter initially failed to respond to repeated instructions to adjust course. The controller’s frustration grew as the pilot delayed compliance, ultimately requiring direct intervention to avert a potential collision.

Flight tracking data indicated that the two aircraft came as close as 8 miles apart during the incident but were on paths that could have brought them within 11 miles of each other. While Spirit Airlines later stated the flight adhered to procedures and landed safely, questions remain about the proximity of the encounter. The airline emphasized safety as a priority, though the incident highlighted risks associated with close airspace coordination.

The president’s aircraft successfully reached London, where Trump engaged in diplomatic activities. The situation underscored the critical role of air traffic controllers in ensuring aviation safety, even amid challenges posed by delayed responses from other pilots.