A JetBlue flight narrowly avoided a midair collision with a US Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuela on Friday. The incident, involving JetBlue flight 1112 from Curaçao to New York City, raised significant safety concerns as the pilot reported that the military aircraft crossed directly into the flight path without its transponder activated.

Incident Details
The near-collision occurred as JetBlue flight 1112 was climbing towards its cruising altitude. The pilot reported to air traffic control that the US Air Force plane passed within a dangerously close range, estimated at just 2 to 3 miles. The pilot expressed frustration, stating, "They passed directly in our flight path... They don’t have their transponder turned on, it’s outrageous." After the incident, the military aircraft continued into Venezuelan airspace.

JetBlue's Response
Derek Dombrowski, a spokesperson for JetBlue, confirmed that the airline has reported the incident to federal authorities and is prepared to cooperate with any investigations. He emphasized that the crew acted in accordance with their training and promptly communicated the situation to JetBlue leadership. The airline is committed to maintaining safety and adhering to established flight protocols.

Military Activities in the Region
This incident comes amid heightened military activity by the US in the Caribbean, particularly regarding operations targeting drug smuggling. The Pentagon has been conducting airstrikes against suspected drug traffickers, which has increased the presence of military aircraft in the region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a cautionary notice to US aircraft regarding the unstable security situation in Venezuelan airspace.

Safety Concerns
The FAA's warning reflects growing concerns about the security environment surrounding Venezuela, which has seen intensified military operations. Air traffic controllers have noted an increase in unidentified aircraft, prompting calls for vigilance from commercial pilots operating in the area. The situation underscores the potential dangers of military and civilian air traffic intersecting in such volatile regions.

Wrap-up
The near-miss incident involving JetBlue flight 1112 highlights critical safety issues in aviation, particularly as military operations escalate in the Caribbean. The airline's prompt reporting and adherence to safety protocols demonstrate the importance of communication and vigilance in preventing potential disasters in air travel.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team