Flights at Newark Liberty International Airport faced significant disruptions Wednesday evening following an incident involving a JetBlue flight that had to return shortly after takeoff due to engine failure. JetBlue Flight 543, which was en route to West Palm Beach, departed Newark at approximately 5:45 p.m. but turned back shortly thereafter when an issue with the engine was reported, according to officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Passengers aboard the flight reported hearing a loud bang and seeing a flash near the wing, prompting immediate concern among them. Some initially speculated that the aircraft may have been struck by lightning. As the situation unfolded, anxiety escalated into panic. “It was calm at first, but by the time they had to evacuate, it was pure panic,” recalled passenger Alexandra Svokos. Shortly after the loud noise, the pilot communicated to the passengers, reassuring them that they would be returning to Newark due to the engine issue.
Upon safely landing, the crew encountered smoke in the cockpit, leading to an emergency evacuation of the passengers using inflatable slides. Eyewitness accounts indicated a chaotic scene as emergency services surrounded the aircraft. “There’s fire trucks and emergency crews all around the plane,” Svokos noted. The announcement for evacuation reportedly lacked clarity, resulting in what she described as a stampede toward the exits as passengers rushed to leave the aircraft.
Fortunately, all passengers disembarked without reported injuries. The airport temporarily suspended flight operations for about an hour to ensure the safe removal of the aircraft from the taxiway. Operations resumed by 7 p.m., as confirmed by both the FAA and the Port Authority. Travelers were advised to check with their respective airlines for updates regarding their flights.
In response to the incident, JetBlue emphasized the priority of safety for both passengers and crew members. The airline has committed to collaborating with relevant federal authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the engine failure.
