Smoke in Cabin Forces Evacuation on Taxiway, Temporarily Shuts newark airport
A JetBlue Airbus A320 that had just departed Newark Liberty International Airport was forced to return and evacuate on the taxiway Wednesday evening after the crew reported smoke in the cockpit. The emergency prompted a temporary airport closure and a ground stop while authorities removed the aircraft and assessed passenger safety.
Evacuation and airport pause
The flight to Palm Beach left Newark around 5: 45 p. m. ET and turned back shortly afterward following an apparent engine problem. The aircraft landed and exited the runway at about 5: 55 p. m. ET, then crew members reported smoke in the cockpit and ordered an evacuation using emergency slides. Emergency responders surrounded the jet as passengers left the aircraft on the taxiway.
Airport operations were temporarily suspended while the plane was removed and the area secured. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey authorized the reopening of the field and flight operations resumed around 7: 00 p. m. ET. Travelers should expect knock-on delays as air traffic attempts to recover from the interruption.
The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into the incident and is reviewing flight data and maintenance records. Officials stressed that the situation will be examined to determine the cause of the reported engine issue and the subsequent smoke in the cockpit.
Passenger accounts and response
There were 122 passengers on board. One passenger was taken to a local hospital after reporting chest pains; their condition was not immediately detailed. Several passengers described seeing and smelling smoke near the cockpit before the decision to return. One traveler recalled a loud bang, followed by an announcement from the flight crew that the aircraft would make an emergency landing.
Passengers said the evacuation was chaotic but orderly enough to clear the aircraft quickly. Many used the emergency slides and moved away from the plane on the tarmac as emergency crews checked the jet. Authorities automatically halt some airport activity when slides are deployed so that crews and evacuated travelers are kept clear of active taxiways and runways.
JetBlue issued a statement emphasizing that safety is its top priority and that the airline is focused on supporting customers and crewmembers while cooperating with federal investigators. Airline staff assisted passengers at the terminal following the evacuation and worked to rebook travelers affected by cancellations and delays that followed the ground stop.
Operational impact and next steps
The temporary shutdown caused arrival pauses and delays across the airport for several hours. Ground handling teams worked to remove the aircraft from the taxiway so normal operations could resume. Airport authorities cautioned that ripple effects could last through the evening as inbound flights were re-sequenced and crews adjusted schedules.
The FAA’s investigation will determine whether mechanical failure, an inflight malfunction, or another factor prompted the smoke report and evacuation. Inspectors will examine the Airbus A320, review maintenance logs, and interview the flight crew. Officials urged travelers to check with their airlines for the latest flight-status updates and to expect potential delays at Newark into the night.
Authorities praised the flight crew and emergency responders for their handling of the event and noted that swift evacuation procedures and coordinated emergency response helped avoid more serious injuries. The probe into the cause of the smoke and the engine issue remains underway.
