Summary (tl;dr)

A JetBlue passenger plane narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker operating without a transponder near Venezuelan airspace, prompting an investigation into the alarming incident.

Essential Background

The U.S. military has significantly increased its operations in the Caribbean, focusing on drug interdiction activities and applying pressure on the Venezuelan government. This heightened military presence has contributed to a complex airspace environment. In the past month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to U.S. aircraft, advising them to "exercise caution" in Venezuelan airspace due to a worsening security situation and increased military activity.

The Full Story

On Friday, December 12, 2025, JetBlue Flight 1112, en route from Curaçao to New York City's JFK Airport, was forced to halt its ascent to avoid a collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker. The JetBlue pilot reported that the military plane crossed directly into their flight path at the same altitude, operating without its transponder turned on, making it invisible to civilian air traffic control. The pilot described the close encounter, stating, "We almost had a midair collision up here." Following the incident, the Air Force plane reportedly headed into Venezuelan airspace. JetBlue has since reported the incident to federal authorities and stated its full cooperation with any investigation. The U.S. Air Force is aware of the incident and is currently reviewing the matter.

Why It Matters

This near-collision highlights significant concerns regarding aviation safety for commercial flights operating in regions with increased military activity, especially when military aircraft do not use transponders. The incident underscores the potential dangers of uncoordinated military and civilian air traffic, particularly in an area already under an FAA caution due to "worsening security and heightened military activity." It also draws attention to the broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as the U.S. military's enhanced presence in the Caribbean aims to pressure the Venezuelan government.

Geographic Location

• Caribbean Sea, near Curaçao (near-collision incident)
• Willemstad, Curaçao (JetBlue Flight 1112 departure)
• New York City, New York, United States (JetBlue Flight 1112 destination)
• Venezuelan airspace (U.S. Air Force tanker entered after incident)