A JetBlue flight that took off from Curaçao narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft on Friday, just off the Venezuelan coast.
The JetBlue pilot, who had to halt the aircraft's climb, attributed the near-miss to the military plane, as reported by the Associated Press.
"We almost had a mid-air collision up here. They flew directly into our flight path... They don't have their transponder on, it's insane," the pilot stated, according to a recording of his communication with air traffic control obtained by the news agency.
Identified as JetBlue Flight 1112, the aircraft was en route from Curaçao to New York's JFK Airport.
"We just observed air traffic directly ahead of us, less than five miles away — maybe two or three miles — but it was a U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft, and it was at our altitude," the recording further reveals.
In response to inquiries from AP, Colonel Manny Ortiz, a spokesperson for the United States Southern Command, stated they are investigating the incident.
"Military aircrews are highly trained professionals operating under established procedures and applicable airspace requirements. Safety remains a priority, and we are working through the appropriate channels to assess the facts related to the situation," he commented.
JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski confirmed on Sunday that the incident had been reported. "Our crew members are trained in appropriate procedures for various flight situations, and we appreciate our crew quickly reporting this situation to our leadership team," he remarked.
In the recording, the air traffic controller responds to the pilot, saying, "It's been crazy with unidentified aircraft in our airspace."
Escalating U.S. Air Patrols Near Venezuela
On Friday, U.S. Navy fighter jets and intelligence platforms conducted aerial patrols near the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, ramping up military tensions in the Caribbean amid the escalating confrontation between Washington and Nicolás Maduro's regime.
According to air tracking data, two F/A-18E Super Hornet jets, one identified by tail number 166904, flew in international airspace north of Curaçao. The Pentagon described these actions as part of an "enhanced security operation" targeting narcotics networks.
These missions are part of Operation Southern Lance, ordered by President Donald Trump as an extension of a naval campaign launched in September against drug cartels and trafficking routes in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
Washington asserts that the offensive aims to neutralize transnational threats and dismantle the so-called Cartel of the Suns, a drug trafficking organization allegedly led by Maduro and top Venezuelan military officials.
Frequently Asked Questions about the JetBlue and U.S. Military Aircraft Incident
What caused the near-collision between the JetBlue flight and the U.S. military plane?
The JetBlue pilot reported that the U.S. military plane flew directly into their flight path without having its transponder on, leading to the close encounter.
What steps are being taken to investigate the incident?
The U.S. Southern Command is investigating the incident, emphasizing that safety is a priority and that they are working through the appropriate channels to assess the facts.
Why are U.S. military patrols increasing near Venezuela?
The U.S. has increased military presence in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Lance, aimed at combating narcotics trafficking and dismantling drug networks allegedly led by Nicolás Maduro and Venezuelan military officials.