Newark Liberty International Resumes Operations Following Emergency Closure
London, 20 February 2026 – Flight operations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) have returned to normal following a significant disruption earlier this week. The airport was forced into a temporary total closure on Wednesday evening, 18 February 2026, after an aircraft emergency triggered a ground stop and cascading delays across the United States East Coast aviation network.
JetBlue Emergency Landing Triggers Ground Stop
The disruption began on Wednesday night when JetBlue Flight 543, an Airbus A320 bound for Florida, reported an engine failure shortly after take-off. The flight crew alerted air traffic control to smoke in the cockpit and cabin, electing to return to Newark immediately. Upon landing, passengers and crew were forced to evacuate the aircraft via emergency slides on the taxiway.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an immediate ground stop, suspending all departing and arriving flights for several hours. While the airport reopened at approximately 7:00 p.m. local time that evening, the knock-on effects were substantial. Data indicated that roughly 31% of arriving flights and 30% of departures were delayed or diverted during the peak of the incident.
Security Scare and Transatlantic Expansion
In a separate incident this week, security protocols were heightened after a bullet was discovered in an overhead bin on a United Airlines flight at the airport. The discovery led to a three-hour security delay as Port Authority police conducted a crime scene investigation. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft was eventually cleared for service.
Despite these operational challenges, Newark continues to expand its international footprint. United Airlines recently confirmed an extension of its Newark-to-Glasgow service through to 24 October 2026, representing a 22% increase in seat capacity. Additionally, Air France has announced plans to double its daily frequencies to Newark this summer, contributing to the airport’s record-breaking 44 nonstop European destinations.
Newark Liberty International: Key Facts
Newark Liberty remains one of the busiest hubs in the United States, recently undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades to accommodate rising passenger volumes.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Terminal Infrastructure | Three standalone terminals: A, B, and C |
| New Terminal A | 1 million sq. ft. facility with 33 gates |
| Major Hub Carrier | United Airlines (60.9% of transatlantic flights) |
| Terminal Management | Terminal A operated by Munich Airport International |
| International Reach | 44 nonstop European destinations |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I travel between terminals at Newark?
Passengers can travel between Terminals A, B, and C, as well as parking lots and shuttle stops, using the AirTrain Newark system. Interactive maps are available via the official airport website and the United Airlines mobile app.
Where is the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office located?
For carnet users and international arrivals requiring customs processing, the CBP EWR Ship’s Office is located in Terminal B on the International Arrivals Level 2, situated near the café area.
Which airlines operate out of the new Terminal A?
The state-of-the-art Terminal A hosts several domestic and international carriers, including United Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, and JetBlue. It is designed to handle significantly higher passenger volumes than the previous facility.