Newark Airport Flights Temporarily Halted After Control Tower Evacuation
Flights at Newark Liberty International Airport experienced a brief but significant disruption on Monday morning after air traffic controllers were forced to evacuate the control tower. The evacuation was prompted by reports of smoke and a distinct burning smell, leading to an immediate temporary ground stop for all arrivals and departures.
FAA Confirms Ground Stop and Evacuation Details
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 am local time on Monday, March 23. The FAA implemented a ground stop as a precautionary measure while the situation was assessed. In an official statement, the FAA clarified that the disruption was triggered by a suspected issue linked to an elevator within the tower, not an active fire.
"Arrivals and departures are temporarily paused at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after air traffic controllers evacuated the tower because of a burning smell coming from an elevator," the FAA stated. An FAA spokesperson further emphasized that there was no actual fire, but controllers evacuated due to the concerning odor emanating from the elevator system.
Controllers Shift to Backup Facility, Operations Resume
As the evacuation unfolded, air traffic controllers were swiftly relocated to a backup facility located on the airport premises. This temporary shift forced flights to hold, causing delays during the morning rush. However, the disruption proved to be short-lived.
By around 8:30 am local time, controllers were observed returning to the main tower, indicating that the situation had been stabilized and deemed safe. Shortly thereafter, flights began landing again at Newark, and the FAA lifted the ground stop, allowing normal operations to resume.
Incident Adds Strain to New York-Area Aviation Network
The incident at Newark Airport occurred at a time when the broader New York-area aviation network was already facing operational challenges. Notably, nearby LaGuardia Airport remained closed following a separate incident involving a plane colliding with a truck on a runway. This compounded the regional travel disruptions, highlighting the interconnected nature of major airport operations in the metropolitan area.
While the cause of the burning smell in the elevator at Newark's control tower is under investigation, the quick response by FAA personnel and the availability of a backup facility helped minimize the overall impact on air travel. The event underscores the critical importance of safety protocols and contingency planning in maintaining the reliability of national aviation infrastructure.
