JetBlue A320 has a close encounter with a US Air Force jet leaving Curaçao
This event took place on Friday, December 12, 2025, involving JetBlue flight B61112, which was traveling from Curaçao (CUR) to New York (JFK). The service was managed by an Airbus A320 bearing the registration number N809JB.
Following a standard takeoff, the A320 was ascending through approximately 33,000 feet towards its target cruising altitude of 35,000 feet when the crew noticed a US Air Force tanker directly ahead, very close, and within their flight trajectory.
The transponder of the US Air Force aircraft was inactive, making this a purely visual identification. The fact that they could distinctly recognize the type of aircraft indicates just how near they were. During the communication between the JetBlue pilot and the air traffic controller, the pilot relayed the following remarks:
- “We just had an aircraft fly right in front of us, within five miles, possibly two or three miles. It was an air-to-air refueler from the United States Air Force, and it was at our elevation; we had to cease our ascent.”
- “They are currently heading northeast, right now; they crossed directly in our flight path. We had to halt our climb; they’re not appearing on radar; their transponder is off. This is outrageous.”
- “Please make a note of this; we were close to a mid-air collision.”
The air traffic controller acknowledged that he could not detect the aircraft on his radar and remarked on how it is “outrageous” to have “an unidentified aircraft in our airspace; you are absolutely correct.” Both the pilot and air traffic controller indicated that they would document the incident.
The A320 continued its ascent following the encounter and completed its journey to New York, landing safely at 8 PM after a flight duration of 4 hours and 22 minutes.
This likely pertains to operations in Venezuela
A few weeks ago, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) alerting of a “potentially hazardous situation” for aircraft flying over Venezuela. According to the alert:
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE MAIQUETIA FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION AT ALL ALTITUDES DUE TO THE DETERIORATING SECURITY SITUATION AND INCREASED MILITARY ACTIVITY IN OR AROUND VENEZUELA. THREATS COULD PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK TO AIRCRAFT AT ALL ALTITUDES, INCLUDING DURING OVERFLIGHT, THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PHASES OF FLIGHT, AND/OR AIRPORTS AND AIRCRAFT ON THE GROUND.
Even though no airlines from the United States operate flights to Venezuela, this warning prompted several foreign carriers to halt their services to the nation. Given Curaçao’s proximity to Venezuela, I suspect that the US Air Force jet which intersected with the JetBlue aircraft was engaged in some type of operation related to Venezuela.
I acknowledge the necessity for these aircraft to remain off standard radar, but it seems there should be heightened measures taken to prevent interference with commercial air traffic. Should the suggestion be that all operations be ceased to areas like Curaçao, Trinidad & Tobago, etc.?
Theoretically, military aircraft adhere to a principle of “due regard,” meaning they operate independently of standard civil air traffic control separation regulations and assume full responsibility for avoiding conflict with other traffic. While that may sound commendable in theory, I’d like to remind everyone of the unfortunate incident at Washington National Airport (DCA) earlier this year, where a military helicopter failed to maintain separation from commercial planes, resulting in 67 fatalities.
Conclusion
A JetBlue Airbus A320 pilot reported a near mid-air collision when a US Air Force jet passed perilously close in front of the aircraft while it was climbing out of Curaçao. The pilot labeled the situation as “outrageous,” and both the pilot and controller stated that they would submit a report.
It’s my understanding that this does not…