Near Midair Collision Near Venezuela Reported as Commercial Pilot Says U.S. Military Plane's Transponder Was Off: 'It's Outrageous'

A commercial flight departing the Caribbean island of Curaçao halted its climb Friday after narrowly avoiding a collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft, according to air traffic control recordings, with the pilot accusing the military plane of crossing directly into the flight path without an active transponder. The JetBlue aircraft was on its way to Venezuela.

"We almost had a midair collision up here," the pilot told air traffic control, according to the recording. "They passed directly in our flight path... They don't have their transponder turned on. It's outrageous."

The pilot said the aircraft, identified as an air-to-air refueler, crossed in front of the commercial plane at the same altitude, within several miles, forcing the crew to stop its ascent, as ABC News reports. The military aircraft then continued toward Venezuelan airspace, the pilot said.

Air traffic controllers responded that they were unable to see the military aircraft on their systems. "It has been outrageous with the unidentified aircraft within our air," the controller said on the recording.

The incident occurred as the United States continues to expand military operations in the Caribbean as part of drug interdiction efforts and broader pressure on the Venezuelan government. The buildup has included increased naval and air activity near Venezuela in recent months.

U.S. authorities have also issued aviation warnings related to the region. The Federal Aviation Administration last month urged U.S. aircraft to "exercise caution" when operating in or near Venezuelan airspace due to "worsening security conditions and heightened military activity." Separately, notices to pilots have warned of unidentified aircraft operating near Curaçao and surrounding airspace.

The airline operating the commercial flight said it reported the incident to federal authorities and would cooperate with any investigation, adding that its crews are trained to follow established procedures during unexpected flight situations.

The Pentagon referred inquiries to the U.S. Air Force, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment. U.S. Southern Command said it was aware of reporting on military aircraft operations in the Caribbean and was reviewing the matter, adding that safety remains a priority.