Newark Liberty International Airport briefly shut down Wednesday evening after a JetBlue flight returning to the tarmac due to an emergency landing. The aircraft departed Newark at 5:43 p.m. for West Palm Beach but turned around shortly after takeoff following reported engine trouble and smoke in the cockpit.
Airport officials confirmed travel operations were suspended until 11 p.m. ET, though services resumed by 7 p.m. The incident occurred during a ground stop originally set from 5:42 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an “aircraft emergency.” FlightAware data showed the plane landed safely on the tarmac just 40 minutes into its journey after passengers and crew evacuated via aircraft slides per FAA reports.
JetBlue stated in a preliminary announcement that crews reported smoke in the cockpit, prompting immediate evacuation procedures. Video footage from stranded travelers captured emergency response vehicles parked on the airport’s taxiway during the disruption. The airline emphasized safety as its top priority, noting it would collaborate with federal authorities to investigate the incident.
