Newark Liberty International Airport had to pause operations due to an emergency with a JetBlue flight on Wednesday evening. The flight took off around 5:45 PM but quickly returned after experiencing engine trouble.
After landing safely, the aircraft reported smoke in the cockpit. Passengers were evacuated using emergency slides. The FAA intervened temporarily, halting some arrivals while they investigated the incident. You can check real-time airport conditions here.
JetBlue assured the public that safety is their top priority. They stated their commitment to helping both passengers and crew during this situation.
There were 122 people on board; one passenger was taken to the hospital with chest pains. The flight was originally headed to Palm Beach, Florida. According to the Port Authority, airports automatically shut down when emergency slides are deployed to protect everyone involved.
Operations resumed around 7 PM, but the FAA warned travelers to expect delays as flight schedules adjusted.
Incidents like this highlight the importance of safety protocols in aviation. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows that engine failures are rare, occurring in roughly 1 in 17,000 flights. Nonetheless, every precaution is taken during emergencies to ensure passenger safety.
As air travel continues to increase, so does the focus on safety. Recent trends show that over 95% of passengers now feel safer knowing that airlines have well-established emergency procedures in place.
For ongoing updates about air travel and safety, follow the latest news from trusted sources like CBS News.
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Federal Aviation Administration, Newark Liberty International Airport
