JetBlue flight near Venezuela avoids 'midair collision' with US Air Force tanker

A JetBlue passenger plane took evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision with a US Air Force aircraft flying with its transponder turned off near Venezuela. The incident occurred during the flight's ascent, raising significant safety concerns as the military aircraft crossed its path, complicating air traffic control communications.

Venezuela has accused Trinidad and Tobago of collaborating with the United States in the recent seizure of an oil tanker off its coast, an action described by the Maduro regime as theft of Venezuelan oil. This incident follows a broader pressure campaign by the Trump administration against Nicolás Maduro's government, escalating tensions in the region.

The government of Trinidad and Tobago announced that it will permit U.S. military access to its airports in the coming weeks amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. This decision reflects a strategic alignment with U.S. military interests in the region as the situation with Venezuela intensifies.

A JetBlue flight from Curaçao narrowly avoided a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force tanker near Venezuela. The pilot reported that the military aircraft crossed his path during ascent, leading to a halt in the flight's climb to prevent a potential disaster.

Republican Rep. Mike Turner, the former chair of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized the Trump administration for failing to communicate its objectives regarding Venezuela to Congress, stating that the president has not been clear on the matter. This lack of communication raises concerns about the administration's strategy in dealing with the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

A JetBlue flight from Curaçao narrowly avoided a midair collision with a US Air Force refueling tanker, which reportedly did not have its transponder activated. The pilot described the incident as 'outrageous' during communication with air traffic control, emphasizing the danger posed by the military aircraft crossing their flight path.

A JetBlue flight from Curaçao narrowly avoided a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuela on December 14, 2025. The pilot reported that the military aircraft crossed his path, complicating the flight's ascent and raising significant safety concerns.

President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. Coast Guard has seized a large Venezuelan oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in U.S. military operations in the region. This action is part of the Trump administration's ongoing pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro.