Curaçao Finalizes Long-Term Airspace Safety Rules with U.S. Air Force

December 27, 2025 at 12:00 AM•3 min read

DC-ANSP and the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority finalized long-term agreements with the U.S. Air Force to safeguard flight safety in the Curaçao FIR following recent near-miss

Key Points

1DC-ANSP and CCAA finalized long-term agreements with the U.S. Air Force to secure flight safety in the Curaçao FIR.
2The agreements aim to prevent conflict between military and civilian aircraft following recent near-misses involving 'dark aircraft' (aircraft without active transponders).
3The new arrangements are a structural solution, replacing an earlier temporary measure, and are expected to have only limited impact on civil air traffic.
4The Curaçao FIR is a vital air traffic route, managing approximately 100,000 flights annually between the Americas and Europe.

The Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider (DC-ANSP) and the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) have finalized new, long-term arrangements with the U.S. Air Force. These agreements aim to protect flight safety within the busy Curaçao Flight Information Region (FIR). This new, structural solution follows earlier temporary measures put in place to address immediate concerns.

Background on Airspace Safety

The Curaçao FIR is a critical air traffic thoroughfare. DC-ANSP manages approximately 100,000 flights yearly. These flights connect the United States, Europe, Central America, and South America. The airspace is a complex intersection of major international routes. The FIR shares boundaries with six other Flight Information Regions. These include Maiquetía (Venezuela) and San Juan (USA/Puerto Rico).

Recent weeks saw reports of near-incidents. Civilian aircraft, including a JetBlue passenger flight, experienced a loss of separation. These events involved U.S. military aircraft operating without active transponders. Such "dark aircraft" pose a severe risk to civil air traffic control. They are difficult to track in busy, controlled airspace.

Emergency talks were held at the U.S. Consul General’s initiative. These discussions involved the U.S. Air Force and local aviation authorities. An immediate, temporary arrangement was agreed upon. This measure required U.S. military aircraft to use transponders.

Long-Term Safety Measures Finalized

DC-ANSP and the CCAA have now secured additional arrangements. These are intended to apply over a longer term. The primary goal is to prevent conflict situations entirely. This includes conflicts between military and civilian aircraft. The measures are now valid until further notice. They establish a more structural approach to airspace coordination.

Impact on Civil Air Traffic

The new arrangements are expected to have a limited impact on civil air traffic. The core objective is to ensure safety without major disruptions. Airlines operating in the region will be informed. This notification will occur through standard communication channels. The CCAA and DC-ANSP are committed to maintaining high operational standards. This aligns with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.

Key Benefit: Enhanced visibility of all aircraft in the Curaçao FIR.
Operational Goal: Maintain safe separation standards between all traffic.
Stakeholder Action: Airlines must integrate the new procedures into operations.

This development is a positive step for regional aviation news and safety. It reinforces the importance of coordination. Clear protocols are vital when military and civil operations overlap. The long-term agreements ensure continued safety for the thousands of flights that transit the Dutch Caribbean airspace every year. This is a crucial update for commercial aviation news.