JetBlue Flight 1112 Narrowly Avoids Mid-Air Collision with US Air Force Tanker Near Venezuela & Curaçao

JetBlue Flight's Close Call: Narrowly Avoids Mid-Air Collision with US Air Force Tanker Near Venezuela

A routine flight aboard JetBlue Flight 1112 from the picturesque Caribbean island of Curaçao to New York City's JFK Airport nearly turned into a catastrophe when it narrowly averted a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker. The startling incident occurred on Friday near the Venezuelan coast, prompting the JetBlue pilot to halt a crucial ascent to prevent impact.

Pilot Describes "Outrageous" Near-Miss

According to a recording of the pilot's exchange with air traffic control, the situation was dire. The pilot stated, "We almost had a midair collision up here. They passed directly in our flight path...They don’t have their transponder turned on, it’s outrageous." The tanker, identified as a U.S. Air Force air-to-air refueler, was reportedly operating at the same altitude as the commercial airliner, passing within an alarming 2 to 5 miles. This necessitated the commercial jet to abruptly stop its climb.

Context of Military Operations

The incident gains further context amidst intensified U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, particularly focusing on drug interdiction and increasing diplomatic pressure on Venezuela's government. The JetBlue pilot further reported that the Air Force plane subsequently proceeded into Venezuelan airspace following the close encounter.

Investigation Underway

JetBlue spokesman Derek Dombrowski confirmed Sunday that the airline has formally reported the event to federal authorities and pledged full cooperation with any ensuing investigation. He commended the crew's adherence to proper procedures and their prompt reporting of the critical situation to the leadership team. While JetBlue has provided comment, the Pentagon referred inquiries to the Air Force, which has yet to release an immediate statement regarding the incident.