WILLEMSTAD – The United States Consulate in Curaçao has confirmed that U.S. military aircraft are once again activating their transponders while operating over Curaçao. U.S. Consul General Ramón “Chico” Negrón described the measure as a temporary arrangement reached after consultations with the Government of Curaçao.
The confirmation follows earlier assurances given by U.S. authorities to Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas. Earlier on Wednesday, Pisas stated that the United States had committed to taking concrete steps to prevent further incidents between civilian and military aircraft in Curaçao’s airspace.
Recent Near-Miss Incidents
Over the past several days, multiple safety incidents occurred in Curaçao’s airspace after U.S. military aircraft reportedly switched off their transponders, rendering them invisible to civilian radar systems. The situation led to dangerous encounters, forcing both a commercial passenger aircraft and a private jet to take evasive action to avoid potential collisions.
The incidents raised serious concerns among aviation authorities, airlines, and the Curaçao government about air traffic safety in one of the Caribbean’s busiest civilian flight corridors.
Work Underway on Permanent Solution
According to Consul General Negrón, discussions are ongoing with various stakeholders, including the Curaçao government and local air traffic control authorities, to develop a permanent solution.
“We are working with several parties, including the Government of Curaçao and air traffic control, on a lasting solution, which we hope to have in place as soon as possible,” Negrón said. “In the meantime, all U.S. military aircraft will have their transponders switched on.”
Negrón emphasized that the United States understands Curaçao’s concerns and is actively cooperating to address the issue, stressing the shared priority of ensuring safe and orderly air traffic in the region.