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JetBlue Plane Avoids Mid-Air Collision Near Venezuela After Encounter with U.S. Military Aircraft

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A JetBlue commercial flight was involved in a serious air safety incident near Venezuela after its crew was forced to halt its climb to avoid a collision with a U.S. military aircraft. The episode occurred on Friday and was recorded in official communications with air traffic control.

Incident During the Climb from Curacao

The JetBlue aircraft had taken off from the island of Curacao bound for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. It was flight 1112, which was performing its normal climb when it crossed paths with an in-flight refueling tanker belonging to the United States Air Force.

According to the pilot’s account, the crew had to abort the maneuver to avoid a mid-air collision. In the recording of the conversation with air traffic controllers, the captain was direct: “We almost had a mid-air collision.” He added that the military aircraft passed “directly on our flight path” and reported that it did not have its transponder on, calling the situation “outrageous.”

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Critical Distance and Same Flight Altitude

The pilot explained that the traffic passed in front of the commercial aircraft at less than 8 kilometers’ distance, even estimating a range of 3 to 5 kilometers. Both aircraft were at the same altitude, which increased the risk of the encounter.

“We had to stop our climb,” he stated in the communication. Subsequently, he indicated that the Air Force plane headed into Venezuelan airspace after the crossing.

From the control tower, the response was no less forceful. The controller stated: “It is outrageous what unidentified aircraft are doing within our airspace.”

Military Context in the Caribbean and Pressure on Venezuela

The event occurs at a time when the U.S. Military Forces have intensified their anti-drug campaign in the Caribbean. Simultaneously, Washington seeks to increase pressure on the Government of Venezuela, a context that adds sensitivity to any aerial operation in the region.

Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning directed at U.S. aircraft. In it, it urged operators to “exercise caution” when operating within Venezuelan airspace, citing a worsening security situation and increased military activity in or around the country.

JetBlue’s Reaction

Derek Dombrowski, a JetBlue spokesperson, confirmed this Sunday that the airline has already reported the incident to federal authorities. “We will participate in any investigation,” he assured. He also highlighted that crew members are trained to handle various operational situations and thanked for the rapid notification of the event to the company’s leadership team.

The incident once again highlights the coordination between civilian flights and military operations in sensitive areas, a key aspect for the safety of commercial aviation on international routes near areas of tension.

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