Why Did Near-Misses Force US Military to Use Transponders Over Curaçao?

The Netherlands has formally raised air safety concerns with the United States. This action follows two recent near-collisions over the airspace of Curaçao. The Dutch government is urging the U.S. to implement measures to prevent future incidents.

The core issue involves U.S. military aircraft reportedly flying without active transponders. This practice makes them invisible to civilian air traffic control (ATC) radar systems.

The Incidents and Immediate Response

Two separate close calls occurred in the days leading up to the Dutch complaint. One incident involved a JetBlue passenger flight. The flight was departing Curaçao for New York.

The pilot was forced to halt the aircraft’s climb to avoid a collision. The military plane was identified as a USAF Boeing KC-46A Pegasus refueling tanker.

A day later, a private Falcon 900 jet departing Aruba also encountered a large, unidentified aircraft at close range. The pilots reported the near-misses to Curaçao air traffic control.

The Transponder Solution

Following the incidents, the Netherlands formally addressed the matter. Three outgoing Dutch ministers issued a joint public statement. They confirmed that the Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces had discussed the matter with his American counterpart.

Local authorities in Aruba and Curaçao quickly reported a key development. U.S. military aircraft are now switching on their transponders. This applies when they enter the airspace over Aruba and Curaçao.

Transponders are electronic devices critical for air traffic control visibility. They transmit a unique code and altitude to radar systems. The U.S. Consulate in Curaçao confirmed this operational change. The Dutch cabinet also acknowledged the new safety measure.

Industry and Geopolitical Context

These close calls highlight the fragile balance between military activity and commercial aviation. The Dutch Caribbean islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—are located near Venezuela.

Geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela have been escalating. This has led to an increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean Sea. The military operations include a deployed U.S. aircraft carrier and actions against suspected drug trafficking vessels.

The incidents prompted a swift response from airlines. Dutch flagship carrier KLM implemented extra safety measures. The airline strengthened internal procedures. It also required aircraft to maximize visibility while in Curaçao airspace.

In a related move, the FAA reiterated a security advisory. This advisory warns U.S. airlines to exercise caution in Venezuela's airspace. The warning cites the worsening security situation and heightened military action.

International aviation bodies, such as the ICAO, set standards for civil airspace. Military aircraft typically follow civil regulations when operating in shared airspace. However, military aircraft sometimes turn off transponders for operational security. This poses a significant risk to commercial aviation safety.

This development is a key piece of commercial aviation news [flying.flights]. It shows how diplomatic efforts can quickly resolve critical safety issues. The Dutch government emphasized that the safety of civil aviation remains a priority. They will continue monitoring the situation closely.