A JetBlue Airways flight traveling from the Caribbean to New York was forced to pause its climb shortly after departure after the flight crew reported a dangerously close encounter with a military aircraft that was not visible on standard radar systems.
The incident involved a JetBlue aircraft that departed from Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island located north of Venezuela, en route to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the pilots stopped their ascent when another aircraft crossed directly ahead at a similar altitude.
According to recordings of communications with local air traffic control, the JetBlue crew warned controllers that the situation nearly resulted in a midair collision. The pilots identified the other aircraft as a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker and reported that it appeared to be operating without an active transponder. Without a functioning transponder, the military aircraft would not have been visible to civilian radar systems or air traffic controllers.
Air traffic control officials in Curaçao acknowledged that they could not track the unidentified aircraft on radar and confirmed that similar incidents involving untracked planes have been reported in the area. Controllers have previously expressed concern about aircraft operating in the region without proper identification or communication.
JetBlue later confirmed that the incident had been formally reported to aviation authorities. In a statement, the airline said its flight crew followed established safety procedures and promptly notified both air traffic control and company leadership after the encounter. No injuries were reported, and the flight continued safely to its destination.
The event comes amid increased military activity in the Caribbean, where U.S. forces have expanded operations related to counter-narcotics efforts and regional security monitoring. Aviation authorities have issued multiple advisories urging pilots to exercise caution when flying near Venezuelan airspace and surrounding regions due to elevated military movements.
A current aviation notice covering the airspace near Curaçao advises pilots to remain alert for unidentified aircraft activity based on recent pilot reports and radar observations. The advisory remains in effect through the end of the month.
U.S. military officials acknowledged awareness of reports involving aircraft operations in the Caribbean and stated that the matter is under review. Officials emphasized that flight safety remains a priority and that military aircrews operate under strict operational guidelines.
The Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority, which oversees air traffic in the region, has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
