The near miss between a JetBlue passenger jet flying from Curaçao to New York and a US Air Force plane (see related story) is the first indication of possible major consequences from heightened tensions between American forces and neighbouring Venezuela. The civilian aircraft was said to be about 40 miles (64 km) off the South American coast when the Airbus A320 crew reported encountering the military plane, which apparently did not have its transponder activated.
The incident raised more questions about aviation safety in the so-called ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) area. US Southern Command confirmed in a statement Monday that it is aware of the case and reviewing the matter.
The military added that its “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.”
Last month, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had already warned airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” when flying over Venezuela and urged them to exercise caution. Carriers from around the world have halted flights as tensions worsened and US President Donald Trump has threatened to begin hitting land targets in Venezuela.
Curaçao’s government and the Netherlands should seek immediately clarity in no uncertain terms over this very risky occurrence for not only the plane’s occupants but the island’s tourism economy. KLM announced it would continue servicing the busy Mid-Atlantic route, but if these things keep happening that could quickly change.
This also follows last week’s secret trip of Venezuelan opposition leader in hiding Maria Machado via Curaçao to Oslo, Norway, where she received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Neither local authorities nor those in The Hague were seemingly made aware of her presence by the Americans.
The situation threatens to get out of hand unless a proper exchange of confidential information takes place between the US and its long-standing ally the Dutch Kingdom. With all due respect, this apparent lack of trust by the Trump Administration in Washington D.C. is downright dangerous.
