A JetBlue flight from Curaçao narrowly avoided a midair collision with a US Air Force refueling tanker on Friday, prompting concerns over flight safety in Caribbean airspace.
The pilot of JetBlue Flight 1112 said the military aircraft crossed directly into the plane’s path, forcing a temporary halt in ascent.
Flight 1112, en route from the small Caribbean island of Curaçao to New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, encountered the tanker approximately five miles ahead at cruising altitude.
According to the air traffic control recording, the pilot reported, “We almost had a midair collision up here. They passed directly in our flight path. … They don’t have their transponder turned on, it’s outrageous.”
The incident occurs amid an uptick in US military activity in the Caribbean, where operations targeting drug trafficking have increased in recent months. Venezuela’s neighboring airspace has seen heightened military presence, complicating commercial flight routes.
JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski said Sunday, “We have reported this incident to federal authorities and will participate in any investigation.
Our crewmembers are trained on proper procedures for various flight situations, and we appreciate our crew for promptly reporting this situation to our leadership team.”
The Pentagon referred questions to the Air Force, which had not issued a statement at the time of reporting.
Aviation safety experts said incidents like Friday’s highlight the challenges of managing both military and commercial traffic in densely monitored airspace.
“Air to air refueling operations are routine for the military, but they require careful coordination with civilian traffic,” said Dr. Elena Torres, a professor of aviation safety at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
“When transponders are off, commercial pilots rely solely on visual confirmation and air traffic control guidance, increasing the risk of near misses.”
Federal Aviation Administration warnings earlier this year advised US carriers to exercise caution over Venezuelan airspace due to security risks and increased military operations.
The FAA guidance underscored that pilots might encounter unexpected maneuvers from both military and civilian aircraft in the region. According to FAA reports, midair incidents in Caribbean airspace are rare but not unprecedented.
In 2022, the FAA recorded seven near collision events involving US commercial aircraft and unidentified military or private planes in the region. These events often involve aircraft operating without active transponders or outside established flight corridors.
Comparatively, standard airspace near the continental United States reports an average of two to three minor near miss incidents per year involving commercial and military aircraft, illustrating the relative riskiness of operations near active military zones.
Local pilots and aviation officials in Curaçao expressed concern over the incident. Juan Martinez, a flight instructor at Hato International Airport, said, “Curaçao’s airspace is small, and when military operations intersect with commercial routes, the margin for error is extremely tight.
Pilots need both clear guidance and cooperation from all aircraft.” Residents of the island, many of whom rely on tourism driven flights, also noted the broader implications.
“It’s worrying to think a routine flight could encounter military aircraft unexpectedly,” said Mariela Gomez, a local business owner. “We hope authorities improve communication to prevent future scares.”
Officials say the incident may trigger a review of coordination protocols between US military operations and civilian aviation authorities in the Caribbean.
Aviation safety advocates have called for increased use of active transponders and preflight alerts when military aircraft operate near commercial corridors.
Aviation analyst Thomas Reed noted, “The military has legitimate operational needs, but incidents like this can erode confidence in air safety if not addressed. Improved communication and stricter adherence to civilian flight corridors will be critical moving forward.”
Friday’s near miss between JetBlue Flight 1112 and a US Air Force tanker underscores the complexities of commercial flight in regions with heightened military activity.
While no injuries or damages were reported, the event has prompted ongoing federal investigation and raised awareness of aviation safety risks in Caribbean airspace.
