JetBlue Flight Avoids Mid-Air Collision with U.S. Air Force Tanker Near Venezuela, Sparking Urgent Airspace Safety Concerns

Published on December 16, 2025

On Friday, JetBlue Flight 1112, bound for New York from the Caribbean island of Curacao, was forced to take evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force tanker plane near the coast of Venezuela. The JetBlue pilot, in an air traffic control recording, described the situation, stating that the aircraft had encountered the Air Force jet, which had its transponder turned off at the time of the near miss. According to the pilot’s report, the two planes were flying at the same altitude, and the Air Force tanker jet was within a few miles of the JetBlue flight.

The pilot described the situation as “outrageous,” noting that the Air Force jet was in their flight path and the transponder was off, a concerning violation of aviation protocols. The incident occurred approximately 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela, at a time when the Air Force jet entered Venezuelan airspace, further complicating the situation.

The Near Miss Raises Concerns

This incident has drawn attention due to the potential risk it posed to the safety of both commercial and military aviation. The JetBlue pilot’s account of the near-collision has raised important questions about air safety protocols, especially in regions with active military presence. The close encounter brings to the forefront the need for effective communication between military and commercial aviation to ensure safe airspace management.

This near-miss occurred just months after a tragic crash near Washington, D.C., when an Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines flight. The incident, which took place on January 29, 2025, near Reagan Washington National Airport, resulted in the deaths of 67 people. It was also revealed that the helicopter was not using advanced tracking technology known as automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), which could have prevented such collisions.

Raising Questions in the Senate

Following the JetBlue incident, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell addressed the situation, calling for stronger regulations and better safety measures to avoid such dangerous near-misses. Senator Cruz highlighted the increasing concern over military aircraft flying in close proximity to commercial planes without using ADS-B, which could have facilitated better tracking and communication between the two. He noted that the failure to equip military aircraft with this technology raised significant safety issues, particularly when operating near populated regions and busy air corridors.

Senator Cantwell emphasized the importance of having military and commercial aviation systems that can easily identify each other’s locations, stressing that without proper tracking, it is difficult to prevent such dangerous incidents. Both senators are working to push forward legislation that would require military aircraft to transmit ADS-B data to improve safety in the airspace, particularly in busy regions such as Washington, D.C.

JetBlue’s Response to the Incident

In response to the close encounter, a spokesperson for JetBlue stated that the airline’s top priority remains the safety of its passengers and crew. The airline confirmed that the crew followed proper procedures during the situation and promptly reported the event to the leadership team. JetBlue has cooperated with federal authorities and will participate in any investigations into the matter.

JetBlue’s commitment to safety and the crew’s professional handling of the situation have been recognized, as they ensured that the airline’s protocols were followed effectively during the incident. The airline has also pledged to continue monitoring such situations closely to prevent future occurrences of similar risks.

The Military’s Involvement and Ongoing Review

The incident took place in the context of heightened military activity in the southern Caribbean region, as the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence near Venezuela. U.S. Southern Command has stated that it is aware of the incident and is reviewing the details. The U.S. military has emphasized that its aircrews are highly trained and operate according to established procedures and airspace regulations. The military has also assured the public that safety remains a top priority and that the necessary steps will be taken to assess the facts surrounding the situation.

Worsening Tensions and Aviation Caution

This incident adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the aviation industry in the region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a warning to major airlines last month about the potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela, advising extra caution due to the increasing tensions in the area. Many international airlines have halted flights over the region amid growing concerns about the safety of air travel in the area, especially as U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Venezuela.

As tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela continue to escalate, the aviation industry is facing new challenges in ensuring the safety of passengers and air crews. The FAA’s advisory and the increased military activity in the region highlight the need for greater coordination between military and civilian aircraft to maintain safe and secure airspace for all.

The Importance of Advanced Surveillance Technology

The JetBlue and American Airlines incidents underscore the importance of advanced surveillance systems like ADS-B, which can help track aircraft more accurately and prevent potential accidents. These systems are particularly crucial in regions where military aircraft are operating in close proximity to commercial air traffic. The failure to utilize such technology in these instances raises serious concerns about air safety, especially as the aviation sector continues to grow and the number of aircraft in the sky increases.

In response to these concerns, lawmakers and aviation experts are pushing for the implementation of mandatory ADS-B systems on all military aircraft operating in domestic and international airspace. This technology could potentially save lives and prevent future near-miss incidents, ensuring that both commercial and military aviation remain safe for all travelers.

Conclusion: The Need for Improved Airspace Safety

The JetBlue near-miss near Venezuela is a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by the lack of communication and tracking between military and commercial aviation. With growing tensions in the region, the aviation industry and government authorities must work together to ensure that proper safety protocols are followed. The implementation of advanced tracking systems like ADS-B on all aircraft could play a crucial role in preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety of passengers and crews alike. As investigations into the JetBlue incident continue, it is clear that the aviation industry must prioritize safety and adopt the necessary technologies to maintain the highest standards of air travel.