KLM has introduced additional safety measures on flights to and from Curaçao following two recent near-incidents between civilian aircraft and military planes in the region, broadcaster NOS reported on Wednesday.

The airline is reported to have strengthened its internal safety procedures and is requiring its aircraft to be as visible as possible while flying in Curaçao’s airspace.

In recent days, pilots of a JetBlue passenger flight and a business jet reported coming close to military aircraft. The incidents occurred amid increased US military activity in the region, focused on Venezuela.

KLM is now requiring its aircraft to use additional lighting throughout their time in Curaçao’s airspace. This includes logo and position lights, which are normally used only during take-off and landing. The measure is intended to improve visibility and reduce the risk of misunderstandings in busy military and civilian airspace.

The tightened rules follow emergency talks involving the US aviation authority FAA, Curaçao air traffic control, the international aviation organisation ICAO, industry body IATA and several airlines, NOS said.

KLM has previously said it is closely monitoring developments in Caribbean airspace and does not rule out further measures if circumstances require it.

TUI said earlier it is monitoring the situation closely, because Venezuela is close to Curaçao, where the airline operates holiday flights. Corendon flies to Curaçao and Bonaire.

The Dutch cabinet said last week there is “no acute threat” to its former colonies in the Caribbean as tensions escalate between the United States and Venezuela. The islands are located just tens of kilometres from the Venezuelan coast.