Near-collision between passenger aircraft and military plane near Curaçao

WILLEMSTAD - An air traffic incident occurred Friday at 5:04 PM in Curaçao airspace, where a JetBlue aircraft had to take evasive action during climb to avoid an American military aircraft. This is evident from recordings of communication between the cockpit and air traffic control.

The incident involved JetBlue flight 1112 en route from Curaçao to JFK Airport in New York, in Curaçao airspace, 26 minutes after departure. The crew reported to air traffic control that an American military tanker aircraft flew past at close range across their flight path, at the same flight level. The pilots indicated they had to abort their climb to maintain separation.

In the communication, the pilots can be heard speaking of a near-collision. They said they had to take defensive action to prevent a collision.

According to the crew, the military aircraft was flying without its transponder activated. Curaçao air traffic control confirmed that the aircraft was not visible on radar. Air traffic control offered apologies and indicated they would register the incident. The pilots were asked to file a report.

The JetBlue crew reported that after the encounter, the military aircraft flew northeast and entered Venezuelan airspace. JetBlue flight 1112 was operated with an Airbus A320-232. This aircraft type is configured at JetBlue for approximately 150 passengers.

An aircraft spotter in Curaçao, who monitors military traffic in the region, says the incident doesn’t surprise him. "It’s actually inevitable with all that unidentified air traffic."

Unidentified Traffic

The near-collision follows an earlier warning from Curaçao civil aviation. In a special notice dated November 22, the aviation authority warned of unidentified air traffic in airspace around Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. That notification stated that pilots have repeatedly reported unknown aircraft in the approach area of the ABC islands and that these reports have been confirmed by air traffic control’s primary radar.

The CCAA called on pilots to exercise extreme caution during approach and departure and required crews to immediately report unusual or suspicious air activity to air traffic control. During the same period, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also warned of increased risks in Venezuelan airspace, which is now being avoided by international carriers.

The director of DC-ANSP, responsible for air traffic control over Curaçao, confirms being aware of the incident involving JetBlue flight 1112. She cannot make substantive statements pending the investigation. However, she confirms that JetBlue will report the incident.