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JetBlue Flight Near Venezuela Halts Climb to Avoid U.S. Air Force Tanker

Military authorities say they are reviewing the incident following FAA cautions about Venezuelan airspace.

Overview

  • JetBlue Flight 1112 from Curaçao to New York reported a near miss on Friday after a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker crossed its path.
  • The pilot said the military aircraft was not broadcasting a transponder signal and passed within an estimated 2–5 miles at a similar altitude.
  • Air traffic control recordings capture the crew halting their climb near 33,400 feet as the tanker flew by around 34,000 feet and then headed toward Venezuelan airspace.
  • Curaçao controllers told the crew they did not see the tanker on radar and complained about unidentified aircraft in the sector.
  • JetBlue reported the event to federal authorities, and U.S. Southern Command and the Air Force say they are reviewing the matter as the FAA’s November notice urged caution near Venezuela; the flight continued and landed safely with no injuries.