JetBlue Flight 1112 Avoids Midair Collision with US Military Plane

A JetBlue Airways flight from Curacao to New York City’s JFK Airport narrowly avoided a midair collision with a US Air Force refuelling tanker on Friday, just off the coast of Venezuela.

The incident occurred when Flight 1112, an Airbus A320, had to halt its climb to avoid the tanker, which the pilot reported was directly in the flight path and flying without a transponder.

“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 JetBlue pilot said in a recording with air traffic control.

The pilot stated that the military aircraft later entered Venezuelan airspace, as tensions continue in the region with increased US military operations targeting drug trafficking and pressuring the Venezuelan government.

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Airline and Federal Response

JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski confirmed the airline reported the incident to federal authorities and said the crew acted in accordance with safety procedures.

“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,” Dombrowski said.

The Pentagon deferred comment to the Air Force, which has not yet responded.

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FAA Safety Warnings

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently warned US aircraft to exercise caution in Venezuelan airspace, citing heightened military activity and worsening security conditions.

Air traffic controllers involved in the incident described the encounter as “outrageous,” highlighting the risk posed by unidentified aircraft operating near civilian flights.

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Context

The incident comes amid increased US military operations in the Caribbean, particularly against drug trafficking routes, as tensions with Venezuela escalate. Flight safety concerns have risen in the region due to uncoordinated military and civilian aircraft activity.