A JetBlue flight narrowly avoided a midair collision with a US Air Force refueling tanker on Friday (December 12) while ascending from Curaçao, a Caribbean nation near Venezuela. The JetBlue pilot reported that the military plane crossed directly into their flight path without its transponder turned on, calling the situation "outrageous."

JetBlue Flight 1112, en route to New York City's JFK Airport, had to halt its climb to avoid the tanker. The pilot described the encounter to air traffic control, noting that the tanker came within two to three miles of their aircraft at the same altitude. The Air Force plane then proceeded into Venezuelan airspace.

JetBlue spokesman Derek Dombrowski confirmed that the incident has been reported to federal authorities and stated that the airline will cooperate with 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," Dombrowski said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously warned US aircraft to exercise caution in Venezuelan airspace due to increased military activity and a deteriorating security situation. The Pentagon referred inquiries to the Air Force, which has not yet commented on the incident.

This near-collision comes amid heightened US military activities in the Caribbean, focusing on drug interdiction and increasing pressure on Venezuela's government.

Joey Brooks

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