Curaçao Secures Long-Term Airspace Safety After Near-Misses with US Military Jets

The Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider (DC-ANSP) and the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority have finalized new agreements. These measures are designed to safeguard flight safety over the Curaçao Flight Information Region (FIR) for the long term. The agencies released the development in a joint official communiqué.

Background on Airspace Safety

These new agreements follow recent, serious safety concerns in the region. Increased US Air Force military activity in the southern Caribbean was the root cause. This activity, linked to operations near Venezuela, led to several critical incidents.

Earlier, both authorities reached an initial agreement with US Air Force representatives. That temporary arrangement focused on identifying military aircraft in Curaçao’s airspace. Reports indicated military aircraft were operating without active transponders. This practice can make aircraft invisible to civilian radar and collision avoidance systems.

Preventing Conflict Situations

Initial arrangements were quickly expanded and elaborated upon in recent days. The main goal is preventing military civilian aircraft conflict situations. These conflicts occur when military and civilian traffic operate near each other. Recent incidents included two reported losses of separation in the Curaçao FIR. One incident involved a JetBlue passenger flight and a military tanker.

Air traffic control (ATC) had to intervene with urgent course corrections. Parliment had also urged the government to pursue binding agreements. This was to ensure transponders are used during all military flights.

Impact on Civil Aviation

DC-ANSP and the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority manage the airspace. They are responsible for the safe and orderly flow of air traffic. The agencies emphasized the agreements ensure continued air traffic safety measures. These new measures will remain in effect until further notice.

Authorities expect minimal or no impact on civil air traffic operations. Airlines will receive updates through the usual communication channels. This includes Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and other official publications.

• DC-ANSP flight safety is paramount for the Dutch Caribbean region.
• The Curaçao FIR is a major route for flights between the US, Europe, and South America.
• Ensuring the identification of unidentified military aircraft is key to safety.
• The long-term agreements address the risks of losses of separation incidents.

This proactive step by the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority is critical. It reinforces the region's commitment to international aviation standards. Stakeholders can find more commercial aviation news and analysis at flying.flights. The agreements aim to restore confidence in the safety of the Caribbean civil aviation sector. DC-ANSP is the region's Air Navigation Service Provider and manages approximately 100,000 flights yearly. Their work is vital for major carriers like JetBlue and other international airlines operating through the area. Coordinated action with the US Air Force is essential for regional stability.