JetBlue Flight Narrowly Escapes Midair Collision with US Air Force Tanker Near Venezuela: Is Venezuela’s Airspace Safe for Traveling Now?

Published on December 16, 2025

In a tense moment that has captured global attention, a JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York’s JFK Airport narrowly avoided a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker on Friday, December 12, 2025. The incident, which took place just off the coast of Venezuela, raises new questions about the safety of flying in and around Caribbean airspace, particularly given the recent increase in military activity.

JetBlue Flight 1112 was en route from the small Caribbean island of Curaçao when the pilot reported a close encounter with the military aircraft, which crossed the JetBlue flight’s path at the same altitude. According to the pilot’s communication with air traffic control, the tanker did not have its transponder turned on, which made the situation even more perilous. The pilot expressed his shock and frustration, labeling the incident as “outrageous,” and highlighted the immediate danger posed by the U.S. military aircraft crossing into the commercial flight’s airspace.

A Close Call for JetBlue Flight 1112: Military Aircraft Crosses Dangerous Path

The JetBlue pilot’s words were captured in a recording of the conversation with air traffic control, which has since been made public. The pilot stated, “We almost had a midair collision up here. They passed directly in our flight path, and they don’t have their transponder turned on. It’s outrageous.” He further explained that the U.S. Air Force tanker passed within just 2 to 3 miles of the commercial flight at the same altitude, forcing the JetBlue flight to halt its climb to avoid a collision.

Fortunately, the JetBlue pilot was able to take swift action to prevent the disaster, though the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of U.S. military aircraft operating in busy international airspace. The U.S. Air Force tanker, after crossing the JetBlue flight’s path, continued its journey into Venezuelan airspace.

U.S. Military Activity Heightens Tensions: FAA Issues Warning for Airspace Safety

This near miss comes at a time of heightened military activity near Venezuela, as the U.S. has increased its presence in the region. The U.S. military has stepped up its drug interdiction efforts and is also intensifying its operations to apply pressure on Venezuela’s government. This uptick in military operations has raised alarms among aviation safety experts, as such activities can complicate navigation and create dangerous situations for commercial airliners.

In response to the growing concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to U.S. airlines in November 2025, advising pilots to exercise caution when flying over Venezuelan airspace. The FAA’s alert specifically mentioned the “worsening security situation” and the increased risk of military activity, which could disrupt civilian air traffic.

The FAA’s warning follows several incidents of U.S. military aircraft crossing into civilian flight paths in the region. As the tensions in the region increase, the need for clear communication and protocols between military and civilian air traffic has become even more pressing.

JetBlue Reports the Incident to Authorities: FAA Launches Investigation

In the aftermath of the incident, JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski confirmed that the airline had reported the near miss to federal authorities and was fully cooperating with the investigation. “We have reported this incident to federal authorities and will participate in any investigation,” Dombrowski stated. “Our crewmembers are trained on proper procedures for various flight situations, and we appreciate our crew for promptly reporting this situation to our leadership team.”

At the time of writing, the U.S. Air Force had not commented on the incident, and the Pentagon referred all inquiries to the Air Force, which has yet to respond. While the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation, the FAA’s involvement in ensuring that such close calls do not happen again is critical for the safety of both military and civilian aviation.

Travel Safety and the Risks of Flying Near Venezuela: What You Need to Know

For travelers, the incident raises important questions about the safety of flying over or near Venezuelan airspace. Given the ongoing political and military tensions in the region, and the recent FAA advisories, passengers may want to consider alternate flight routes that avoid Venezuela and surrounding areas altogether.

Flight disruptions in the Caribbean and surrounding areas are becoming more frequent due to both weather-related events and security issues. With military activity in the region intensifying, travelers heading to and from locations like Curaçao, New York City, and other Caribbean destinations may face increased delays, route adjustments, and possible reroutes.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Role in Ensuring Flight Safety Amid Escalating Tensions

The FAA’s recent warnings and JetBlue’s incident highlight the growing risks of flying in regions with heightened security concerns. As more military operations are conducted in the Caribbean and Latin American regions, the FAA will likely continue to issue guidelines and advisories to safeguard the interests of civilian aviation. For now, travelers are urged to stay informed and be aware of potential delays or safety concerns, especially if their flight is passing near or over troubled areas like Venezuela.

As the investigation into this incident unfolds, aviation authorities will need to develop stronger protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. For now, air traffic controllers, airlines, and military personnel must continue to work together to ensure that airspace remains safe for all travelers.