A JetBlue pilot narrowly avoided a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force tanker near Venezuela, raising questions about airspace safety amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
Near Miss in Venezuelan Airspace
During a flight from Curaçao to New York, a JetBlue pilot reported that a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker passed directly in the JetBlue’s flight path. “We almost had a midair collision up here,” the pilot said in a conversation with air traffic control that NewsNation obtained. The pilot added, “They passed directly in our flight path … they don’t have their transponder turned on, it’s outrageous.” He also noted that the tanker was within five miles-“maybe 2 or 3 miles”-of the JetBlue aircraft and was at the same altitude. The pilot said the tanker then headed into Venezuelan airspace.
Reactions from Military and Airline
The incident is under review by U.S. Southern Command, which told The Hill that “Military aircrews are highly trained professionals who operate in accordance with established procedures and applicable airspace requirements.” The spokesperson added, “Safety remains a top priority, and we are working through the appropriate channels to assess the facts surrounding the situation.” JetBlue has also expressed its commitment to safety. A spokesperson told The Hill, “Safety is our top priority. 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. We have reported this incident to federal authorities and will participate in any investigation.”
FAA Warning and Regional Tensions
Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning to aircraft operating in the Caribbean. The statement advised operators to exercise caution when flying in the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR) at all altitudes, citing a worsening security situation and heightened military activity around Venezuela. “Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes,” the FAA said. The warning comes amid increased U.S. military actions in the region.
Broader Context of U.S.-Venezuela Strikes
The near-miss coincides with a series of U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. In one incident, survivors of an initial launch were killed in a second strike, a development that Democrats have described as a war crime. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. Coast Guard seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the seizure was intended to “prevent the transport of sanctioned oil” to Cuba.
Key Takeaways
- A JetBlue aircraft narrowly avoided a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force tanker near Venezuela.
- The incident is being investigated by U.S. Southern Command and reported to federal authorities.
- FAA warns of heightened security risks in the Caribbean, especially in the Maiquetía FIR.
The event highlights the complex airspace environment around Venezuela, where commercial, military, and governmental actions intersect amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, and underscores the need for continued vigilance and coordination among aviation stakeholders.
