Newark Liberty International Airport has resumed operations following a significant aircraft emergency that resulted in a temporary ground stop on Wednesday evening. The incident involved a JetBlue flight that needed to be evacuated after encountering engine failure shortly after takeoff.
The sequence of events began around 5:45 p.m. when JetBlue Flight 543 departed Newark, destined for Palm Beach, Florida. Almost immediately after takeoff, the aircraft experienced issues and returned to the airport. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), once the Airbus A320 landed safely and exited the runway, the crew reported smoke in the cockpit. Subsequently, passengers were evacuated using emergency slides.
In light of the emergency, the FAA temporarily halted incoming flights to Newark Liberty, initiating an investigation into the incident that unfolded around 5:55 p.m. local time. Travelers were advised to anticipate delays as authorities worked to ensure the safety and security of those on the ground.
JetBlue issued a statement emphasizing that passenger safety is their utmost priority. The airline affirmed its commitment to supporting both customers and crew members as they cooperate fully with federal authorities during the investigation.
Sources indicate that there were 122 passengers on board at the time of the incident. One individual was transported to a local hospital after experiencing chest pains, raising concerns amid the chaotic circumstances. Following the evacuation, flight operations at Newark were briefly suspended to facilitate the safe removal of the aircraft from the taxiway, as airport protocol dictates an automatic shutdown when emergency slides are deployed.
By approximately 7 p.m., the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that the airport had reopened and flight operations resumed. However, travelers were still advised to expect ongoing delays as the situation continued to develop.
