A JetBlue Airways pilot reported a near-miss incident with a U.S. military aircraft that entered his flight path shortly after takeoff from Curaçao, heightening concerns about air safety. The event, which occurred as the JetBlue plane was climbing, was documented through air traffic control (ATC) recordings. According to the pilot, the military aircraft, identified as a U.S. Air Force refueler, approached at the same altitude and within five miles of the passenger plane.
The military aircraft was headed toward Venezuelan airspace and had its transponder turned off, meaning its location was not being transmitted to air traffic control. “We almost had a midair collision up here,” the pilot reported, expressing frustration over the aircraft’s failure to activate its transponder. “They passed directly in our flight path… They don’t have their transponder turned on; it’s outrageous.”
JetBlue Flight 1112 was bound for New York City’s JFK Airport when the incident occurred. JetBlue confirmed that its crew is trained to manage various flight situations and stated that it has reported the incident to federal authorities for further investigation.
The U.S. Southern Command acknowledged the recent military operations in the Caribbean and expressed commitment to reviewing the incident. They emphasized the professionalism of their military aircrews, highlighting that safety is a top priority and that they will assess the facts surrounding the situation through appropriate channels.
While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not control air traffic around Curaçao, it issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). This special advisory, in effect until the end of the month, warns pilots to exercise “extreme caution” in the area due to reports of unidentified aircraft operations.
The incident raises significant safety concerns and underscores the importance of communication and navigation protocols between civilian and military aircraft. As investigations continue, it is crucial for all airspace users to adhere strictly to established protocols to prevent dangerous situations in the future.