JetBlue passenger jet nearly collides with US Air Force tanker in Caribbean

JetBlue Flight 1112, en route from Curaçao to New York City's JFK airport, narrowly averted a mid-air collision with a US Air Force tanker on Friday. The incident forced the JetBlue pilot to abruptly halt the passenger jet's ascent after the military aircraft allegedly crossed its flight path. Cockpit audio revealed the pilot's alarm, stating, "We almost had a midair collision up here."

The pilot reported to air traffic control that the US Air Force tanker passed "directly in our flight path" within two to three miles and at the same altitude, critically noting that the military plane did not have its transponder turned on. Following the near-miss, the Air Force aircraft reportedly proceeded into Venezuelan airspace. JetBlue spokesman Derek Dombrowski confirmed the airline has reported the incident to federal authorities and will participate in any ensuing investigation, commending the crew's adherence to proper procedures.

This near-collision occurs amidst heightened US military activity in the Caribbean, primarily focused on drug interdiction and increasing pressure on Venezuela's government. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously issued a warning last month, advising US aircraft to "exercise caution" in Venezuelan airspace due to a worsening security situation and elevated military presence. The Trump administration has significantly expanded its military footprint in the region, conducting operations that have led to numerous drug-smuggling vessel strikes and intensified its campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.