Overview
- JetBlue Flight 1112, an Airbus A320 from Curaçao to New York on Dec. 12, halted its climb after the crew saw a U.S. Air Force KC-135R directly ahead at the same altitude.
- The pilot reported the aircraft passed within a few miles and said the military jet’s transponder appeared off, a point Curaçao air traffic control corroborated by noting no radar target.
- JetBlue said the crew followed procedures, reported the incident to the FAA, and will fully cooperate with any inquiry.
- U.S. Southern Command said it is reviewing the incident, while the military has not disclosed the tanker's mission or why no identification signal was observed.
- The episode comes as the southern Caribbean sees heightened military activity and reports of non‑transponder flights, with local authorities warning crews to exercise extreme caution.