JetBlue Flight in the Caribbean Avoids Mid-air Collision with U.S. Military Plane

A JetBlue flight from the Caribbean island of Curaçao was forced to stop climbing shortly after takeoff on Friday to avoid a possible midair collision with a United States Air Force refuelling plane.

In a recorded exchange with air traffic control, the JetBlue pilot said the military aircraft crossed directly into the plane’s flight path at the same altitude. He complained that the aircraft did not appear to have its tracking system turned on and said the crew had to halt their climb to stay safe.

The pilot reported that the Air Force tanker later flew toward Venezuelan airspace. The incident comes as the U.S. military increases operations in the Caribbean aimed at alleged drug trafficking. 

Last month, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warned American aircraft to use caution when flying in Venezuelan airspace because of worsening security conditions and increased military activity.

President Trump added to the tension in a social media post, declaring Venezuelan airspace “closed in its entirety.” Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry rejected the claim as “hostile” and called it a violation of international law.

JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski said the airline has reported the incident to federal authorities and confirmed that the flight crew followed proper safety procedures.

The Pentagon referred questions to the U.S. Air Force, which has not yet responded.