• A JetBlue pilot reported a near midair collision with a U.S. Air Force tanker near Venezuela.
• The military aircraft reportedly did not have its transponder activated during the incident.
• This event prompted investigations by both JetBlue and U.S. Southern Command.

A JetBlue Airways pilot narrowly avoided a “midair collision” with a U.S. military aircraft while climbing after takeoff from Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island near Venezuela. The pilot reported that a U.S. Air Force air refueler entered the flight path of JetBlue flight 1112, which was bound for New York's JFK Airport, requiring the crew to halt their climb. “We almost had a midair collision up here,” he stated, noting that the military aircraft passed “directly in our flight path,” according to air traffic control (ATC) recordings from JetBlue and other sources ABC News, India Times, and The Hill.

The incident occurred approximately 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela, where the JetBlue pilot indicated that the Air Force aircraft was flying at the same altitude but had its transponder turned off. Consequently, the ATC could not track the military plane, leading to heightened concerns about aviation safety. JetBlue stated they had reported the incident to federal authorities and expressed that safety remains their utmost priority, reinforcing their commitment to follow proper procedures during various flight situations BBC and Reuters.

U.S. Southern Command confirmed awareness of the incident and mentioned that an investigation is underway. A representative emphasized the professionalism of military aircrews, stating they operate according to established procedures and prioritize safety. Tensions in the area have been rising due to military operations, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to issue warnings about potential hazards for all aircraft navigating Venezuelan airspace The Hill, BBC, and Reuters.