JetBlue Flight Narrowly Avoids Mid-Air Collision Near Venezuela
A **JetBlue Airways commercial flight narrowly escaped a potentially catastrophic mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft near Venezuelan airspace, raising urgent questions about aviation safety amid heightened military activity in the Caribbean. Reuters+1
The incident occurred on December 12, 2025, when JetBlue Flight 1112 — en route from Curaçao to New York’s JFK Airport — encountered a U.S. military aircraft roughly 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Reuters
According to cockpit audio and air traffic recordings, the military jet crossed directly into the passenger plane’s flight path at the same altitude. The JetBlue pilot was compelled to halt the aircraft’s ascent and take evasive action to prevent a collision. The Washington Post
“What happened was close to a mid-air collision, and we had to react immediately to maintain a safe distance,” the JetBlue pilot told air traffic controllers. Reuters
Safety Systems Disabled, Heightening Risk
A key factor in the incident was that the U.S. military aircraft was reportedly not broadcasting its position via transponder, making it invisible on civilian radar and collision-avoidance systems. That failure drew sharp criticism from aviation experts and members of Congress familiar with the incident. The Washington Post
Officials noted that military aircraft sometimes deactivate transponders during specific operations — but doing so in a corridor frequented by commercial flights significantly increases the risk to civilian aircraft. The Washington Post
Broader Context: Warnings and Rising Tensions
The close call adds to a backdrop of increased tension and caution in the region. In recent weeks, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reiterated warnings to airlines about a “worsening security situation” when flying over or near Venezuelan airspace. Reuters
The FAA warning — first issued in November and repeated on December 16 — highlighted potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes due to military activity and other security concerns. Reuters
Airline Response and Investigations
JetBlue confirmed it has reported the near-collision to federal authorities and will cooperate fully with ongoing investigations. The airline emphasized that crew training and safety procedures helped avert a disaster. Reuters
Officials from U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, said they are reviewing the incident while reaffirming a commitment to flight safety, though details remain limited. Reuters
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