A near-collision involving a US military jet in international airspace near Venezuela has raised serious questions regarding air traffic safety and the coordination of military operations. The latest incident, which saw a Falcon 900EX private jet narrowly avoid a US Air Force refueling tanker, follows a similar near-miss just two days prior. The heightened military presence in the region has prompted the FAA to re-issue warnings, underscoring the escalating risks posed to commercial and civilian aviation.
Story Highlights
- A Falcon 900EX narrowly avoided a US Air Force tanker in international airspace near Venezuela.
- This incident is the second in two days, heightening concerns over military flight activity.
- The FAA has issued warnings about increased military operations in the region.
- US Southern Command and the Pentagon are currently reviewing the incidents.
Military Activity Endangers Civilian Flights
On Saturday, a Falcon 900EX private jet flying from Aruba to Miami narrowly avoided a midair collision with a US Air Force refueling tanker. The incident occurred at about 26,000 feet over international waters off the coast of Venezuela. This marks the second such near-miss in two days, following a similar incident involving a JetBlue flight. The tanker, described as a large aircraft comparable to a Boeing 767 or 777, came dangerously close to the civilian jet, causing alarm among the pilots.
The heightened military presence in the Caribbean, particularly around Venezuela, has prompted the FAA to issue warnings about increased military activity. These advisories highlight potential threats to civilian aircraft at all altitudes. US Southern Command and the Pentagon are now reviewing the incidents, and the NTSB is gathering information. The recent events underscore the risks posed by military operations in international airspace, where commercial flights operate daily.
SECOND almost-collision just happened near Venezuela because US tankers during attack preps are flying around with transponders turned off.🔗⬇️ Will they stop or does a major airliner have to crash over this War on Drugs fakery?https://t.co/YshOb6iVhk https://t.co/fZKJJksXep
— IncarcerNation.com (@IncarcerNation) December 17, 2025
FAA Warnings and Airline Suspensions
In response to the increased military activity, the FAA reissued warnings about the risks associated with flying near Venezuela. These advisories, initially issued last month, have led several international carriers to suspend flights to and from Venezuela. Copa Airlines, for example, has extended its suspension of Caracas flights through mid-January, citing “operational conditions.” The warnings extend to arrivals, departures, and overflights, affecting a broad range of commercial operations in the region.
The FAA’s concerns are not without basis. The first near-miss incident involved a JetBlue flight from Curaçao to JFK, which had to halt its climb to avoid a US tanker with its transponder turned off. Such unannounced military flights pose significant challenges for civilian aviation, which relies heavily on transponder data for safety and coordination. The FAA’s advisories aim to mitigate these risks by alerting pilots and airlines to the potential dangers of flying in the region.
Implications for Aviation Safety
The recent near-collisions raise serious questions about the coordination between military and civilian aviation. As military operations increase in regions like the Caribbean, there is a growing need for improved communication and protocols to prevent similar incidents. Short-term implications include disrupted flights and prolonged suspensions, while long-term changes could involve new procedures for military aircraft operating in shared airspace.
These incidents not only affect airlines and passengers but also highlight broader geopolitical tensions. The US military’s operations near Venezuela are seen as a response to regional instability, but they also emphasize the delicate balance between national security and aviation safety. As reviews and investigations continue, stakeholders across the aviation sector will be watching closely for developments and potential policy changes.
Watch the report: Second US Military Close Shave; American Aircraft Escapes Crash Near Venezuela As Air Tensions Soar
Sources:
Second Near-Miss With Military Jet Near Venezuela
US military aircraft to keep transponders on after near-misses off Venezuela
Second near midair collision reported near Venezuela involving US Air Force tanker | CNN
