JetBlue Pilot Calls Near-Miss With U.S. Air Force Tanker 'Outrageous' After Midair Scare Near Curaçao

A JetBlue Airbus A320 en route from Curaçao to New York narrowly avoided a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker on Friday, an encounter the JetBlue pilot described on air traffic recordings as "outrageous."

JetBlue Flight 1112 was about 20 minutes into its flight when the crew reported that a U.S. Air Force tanker crossed directly into their flight path north of Curaçao. According to the Aviation Safety Network, the passenger jet took "evasive action to maintain separation with a tanker aircraft."

Audio captured by LiveATC.net records the JetBlue captain telling controllers the military aircraft did not have a functioning transponder — the device that helps air traffic control identify and track aircraft on radar. "They passed directly in our flight path," the pilot said. "They don't have their transponder turned on. It's outrageous."

Tensions between Venezuela and the U.S. continue to escalate as Trump threatens to seize Venezuelan oil tankers.

The pilot reported the tanker passed roughly two to three miles away at the same altitude, forcing the JetBlue crew to stop their climb and descend to avoid a collision. The air traffic controller on the recording acknowledged they could not see the tanker on radar: "Yes, I don't have anything on my scope … you are totally right sir."

Official Responses and Ongoing Review

U.S. Southern Command told Fox News Digital it is aware of the reports and is reviewing the incident. Col. Emanuel L. Ortiz, public affairs chief for U.S. Southern Command, emphasized that military aircrews "operate in accordance with established procedures and applicable airspace requirements" and said safety remains a top priority while the facts are assessed through appropriate channels.

JetBlue confirmed to Fox News Digital that safety is the company's top priority. The airline said its crew members are trained for various in-flight situations, that the crew promptly reported the encounter to leadership, and that JetBlue has notified federal authorities and will cooperate with any investigation.

Broader Context

The near-miss comes amid an increased U.S. military presence in the southern Caribbean and heightened tensions related to Venezuela as U.S. political leaders weigh options regarding Nicolás Maduro's government. The Federal Aviation Administration recently warned carriers of a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying near Venezuela because of rising military activity and deteriorating security conditions.

What We Don’t Know Yet: U.S. Southern Command is reviewing the situation; investigators will determine why the tanker’s transponder reportedly was not transmitting and whether established procedures were followed.