Newark Liberty International Airport resumed operations Wednesday evening following an emergency that prompted a temporary ground stop. A JetBlue flight bound for Palm Beach, Florida, was forced to return to Newark shortly after takeoff due to engine trouble, prompting a full evacuation of passengers via emergency slides. The incident caused delays and disrupted airport operations for several hours.
The Airbus A320 had departed Newark around 5:45 p.m. when smoke was reported in the cockpit. Following the emergency landing, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that flight operations were temporarily paused while authorities investigated the incident. Safety protocols required that passengers evacuated on the slides, leading to an automatic ground stop to protect those on the runway.
JetBlue emphasized in a statement that passenger and crew safety is the airline’s top priority. “We are focused on supporting our customers and crewmembers and will work closely with the appropriate federal authorities to investigate what occurred,” the airline said. There were 122 passengers on board, with one taken to a local hospital after reporting chest pains.
Passengers described a tense evacuation. Alexandra Svokos told CBS News New York that smoke and a loud bang near the cockpit prompted passengers to rush down the slides. “People were shaking and panicking, and people were crying,” she said. “You felt the release once we got off the plane.” Svokos and other passengers were later provided compensation and rebooked on another flight.
The incident caused ripple effects for travelers at Newark. Some faced delays of more than two hours, while others had to adjust travel plans. Heather Werckle, a passenger, said her flight was initially diverted, while a traveler picking up his wife described a confusing reroute before she finally arrived at Newark.
Port Authority officials confirmed that the airport reopened around 7 p.m. after the aircraft was removed from the taxiway. Authorities continue to monitor conditions, and the FAA advises travelers to anticipate possible delays.
Emergency personnel and airport crews were praised for managing the situation efficiently and ensuring that passengers were safely evacuated without serious injuries. The JetBlue flight emergency serves as a reminder of the rigorous safety protocols in place at major airports and the quick response required to handle unexpected in-flight issues.
The investigation into the engine failure is ongoing, and federal authorities will review maintenance records and flight procedures to determine the cause. Meanwhile, Newark Liberty International Airport has returned to normal operations, with passengers resuming travel under heightened safety awareness.
