A JetBlue flight departing from Curaçao on Friday narrowly avoided a potentially catastrophic mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker. The incident occurred as JetBlue Flight 1112 was climbing after takeoff, when the flight crew reported a military aircraft crossing directly into their path at a similar altitude. The JetBlue pilot was forced to halt the aircraft's ascent to maintain separation, with recordings of the air traffic control communication capturing the pilot's distress, stating, "We almost had a midair collision up here."
The situation was exacerbated by the fact that the U.S. Air Force tanker was reportedly operating without its transponder activated. This meant the military aircraft was not visible on civilian radar systems, making it difficult for air traffic controllers to track and manage. The JetBlue pilot expressed frustration, noting, "They don't have their transponder turned on. It's outrageous."
Curaçao air traffic control later confirmed that the military aircraft did not appear on their radar, further complicating the situation. The JetBlue crew executed evasive maneuvers to ensure safety and subsequently reported the incident to federal aviation authorities. A spokesperson for JetBlue confirmed that the airline has reported the incident and will participate in any ensuing investigation, commending the crew for their swift and professional response.
This near-miss occurred in a region where U.S. military activity has increased, particularly in the context of drug interdiction efforts and heightened tensions with Venezuela. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously issued warnings to U.S. aircraft in November, advising them to exercise caution in Venezuelan airspace due to the "worsening security situation and heightened military activity."
While no injuries were reported and JetBlue Flight 1112 continued its journey to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, landing without further incident, the event has sparked concerns about the safety protocols for military aircraft operating in shared airspace. Both JetBlue and U.S. military officials have pledged cooperation in the investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the close call and to prevent future occurrences.
