Newark Liberty International Airport briefly halted all flight operations Wednesday evening after a JetBlue aircraft experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff, prompting an emergency landing and evacuation of passengers via emergency slides. The incident, which occurred around 5:45 p.m. Local time, led to a temporary ground stop and the hospitalization of one passenger.
According to a statement released by the Federal Aviation Administration, JetBlue Flight 543, an Airbus A320, was departing for Palm Beach County, Florida, when the crew reported an engine malfunction and immediately returned to Newark. Upon landing, smoke was detected in the cockpit, triggering the evacuation of all 122 passengers and crew members using the aircraft’s emergency slides.
“Safety is JetBlue’s top priority,” the airline said in a statement. “We are focused on supporting our customers and crewmembers and will work closely with the appropriate federal authorities to investigate what occurred.”
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that the airport was temporarily closed whereas the aircraft was removed from the taxiway. Standard protocol dictates a full shutdown when emergency slides are deployed to ensure the safety of those on the runway, a Port Authority source explained.
One passenger was transported to a local hospital reporting chest pains, authorities said. No other injuries were immediately reported.
The FAA temporarily paused some incoming flights while the situation was assessed. Flight operations resumed around 7 p.m., though travelers were advised to expect delays. The FAA has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the engine failure and subsequent smoke in the cockpit.
As of Wednesday night, the FAA had not released details regarding the nature of the engine malfunction. The investigation will likely focus on determining the source of the smoke and assessing any potential mechanical issues with the aircraft.
