JetBlue Flight Near Venezuela Narrowly Avoids Midair Collision with US Military Plane

JetBlue Flight’s Close Call: What Happened Over the Caribbean?

On the morning of December 12, 2025, JetBlue Flight 1112 took off from Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island just off the coast of Venezuela, bound for New York City’s JFK airport. But moments after departure, routine turned to alarm. The JetBlue pilot, communicating with air traffic control, reported a US Air Force refueling tanker had entered his flight path—at the same altitude and within mere miles.

“We almost had a midair collision up here,” the pilot said, according to air traffic control recordings cited by ABC News and Al Jazeera. The military aircraft, according to the pilot, was “directly in front” of the JetBlue plane and its transponder—used to transmit its location—was off. That meant the civilian air traffic controller couldn’t see the tanker on their radar.

US Military Activity and Heightened Risks Near Venezuela

This incident didn’t happen in a vacuum. The US military has stepped up its drug interdiction and surveillance operations in the Caribbean, especially near Venezuelan airspace. In recent months, the Pentagon has increased pressure on the Venezuelan government, and airspace near Curaçao—just a short flight from Venezuela—has become busier and more unpredictable.

According to CNN and National Newswatch, a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) had already been issued for the region, warning pilots to “exercise extreme caution” due to reports of unidentified aircraft and heightened military activity. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also warned US aircraft last month about flying over Venezuela, citing worsening security and increased military movements.

“We had to stop our climb,” the JetBlue pilot recounted, describing how the Air Force tanker passed within five miles—possibly as close as two or three miles—before heading into Venezuelan airspace. Such proximity in commercial aviation is alarmingly tight, especially at high speeds and altitudes.

Communication Gaps and Airspace Management Challenges

One of the most troubling aspects of the event was the lack of communication and visibility. The US military plane reportedly did not have its transponder activated. Air traffic controllers in Curaçao said they could not see the aircraft on their systems, leaving the JetBlue crew reliant on visual detection and quick thinking.

JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski emphasized that their crew followed all proper procedures and promptly reported the incident to federal authorities. “Our crew members are trained on proper procedures for various flight situations, and we appreciate our crew for promptly reporting this situation to our leadership team,” he told Al Jazeera and CNN.

The FAA, which does not control airspace around Curaçao, deferred questions to the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority, which has not yet commented publicly.

Broader Context: US-Venezuela Tensions and Regional Implications

This near-collision comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. The US military’s increased presence in the region—ostensibly to combat drug trafficking and exert pressure on the Venezuelan government—has complicated civilian airspace management. Several international agencies, including the FAA and regional aviation authorities, have issued warnings for flights operating near Venezuela.

Recent incidents, such as the US seizure of a Venezuelan tanker and ongoing political instability, have put additional strain on the region’s air traffic systems. The risk of misunderstanding or miscommunication between military and civilian aircraft is amplified in such an environment.

Experts note that while military aircrews are highly trained, the decision to operate without an active transponder in congested airspace can lead to dangerous situations. The lack of coordination between military and civilian air traffic control raises critical safety concerns, especially for commercial flights carrying hundreds of passengers.

Investigation and Next Steps

JetBlue has confirmed it will cooperate with any federal investigation into the incident. The Pentagon referred media inquiries to the US Air Force, which has yet to issue a formal response. Meanwhile, US Southern Command released a statement reaffirming its commitment to safety and noting that military crews “operate in accordance with established procedures and applicable airspace requirements.”

The incident has reignited calls for clearer protocols and better communication between military and civilian aircraft, particularly in regions experiencing heightened security activity. Aviation experts argue that mandatory transponder usage and real-time coordination are essential for preventing similar close calls.

For passengers on JetBlue Flight 1112, the danger was invisible until the pilot’s urgent maneuver. For the industry, it’s a wake-up call about the risks lurking in contested skies.

This near-collision underscores the growing complexity of Caribbean airspace, where geopolitical tensions and military operations increasingly intersect with commercial aviation. Without robust safeguards and transparent communication, such incidents may become more frequent, placing civilian lives at risk amid international disputes.