US Military Reacts After JetBlue Reports Near Miss with Air Force Plane [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Dec 15, 2025 at 02:36 PM EST updated Dec 15, 2025 at 05:22 PM EST


U.S. Southern Command said it is reviewing reports of a near midair collision after a JetBlue pilot said his aircraft was forced to halt its climb Friday to avoid a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker in the Caribbean.

“We are aware of the recent reporting regarding U.S. military aircraft operations in the Caribbean and are currently reviewing the matter," U.S. Southern Command said in a statement to Newsweek. "Military aircrews are highly trained professionals who operate in accordance with established procedures and applicable airspace requirements. Safety remains a top priority, and we are working through the appropriate channels to assess the facts surrounding the situation.

Why It Matters

The Federal Aviation Administration last month (FAA) warned U.S. aircraft to exercise caution in Venezuelan airspace because of worsening security conditions and increased military activity in and around the country.

What To Know

The response follows an Associated Press report that JetBlue Flight 1112, en route from Curaçao to New York, stopped its ascent after the pilot warned air traffic control of a potential collision. According to recordings of the exchange, the pilot said the military aircraft crossed directly into the jet’s flight path without an active transponder.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/jetblue-air-force-plane-venezuela-military-near-collision-11215810