Smoke Forces Evacuation on Taxiway, Temporarily Shuts Down Newark Airport
An evening flight evacuation at Newark Liberty International Airport prompted a temporary halt to operations after a JetBlue Airbus experienced engine trouble and smoke in the cockpit. The aircraft returned to the airport shortly after takeoff and passengers were ordered off emergency slides. Authorities cleared the scene and the airport resumed flights later that night.
What happened on the flight
The flight departed Newark at about 5: 45 p. m. ET and turned back almost immediately when the crew detected an engine issue. The Airbus A320 landed safely and exited the runway around 5: 55 p. m. ET, at which point the flight crew reported smoke in the cockpit. Emergency slides were deployed and passengers evacuated on the taxiway. There were 122 passengers on board; one person was taken to a local hospital after complaining of chest pains.
Passengers described a loud bang before the aircraft turned back and said they could see and smell smoke near the cockpit. Emergency vehicles surrounded the plane once it stopped. Evacuees used the slides in a hurried exit, and many reported feeling shaken but thankful to be on the ground.
Operational impact and official response
Airport operations were paused while crews removed the aircraft from the taxiway and emergency personnel secured the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration paused some arrivals as investigators prepared to review the incident. The authority that manages the airport indicated that flight operations were suspended during the evacuation for safety reasons and that services resumed later in the evening.
Flight activity at the airport reopened around 7: 00 p. m. ET after the airplane was cleared and the area was deemed safe. Travelers should expect residual delays as schedules were adjusted and ramps and runways were returned to normal service.
The airline emphasized that safety is its top priority and that it is focused on supporting customers and crew while cooperating with federal investigators looking into what occurred. The FAA said it will investigate the incident to determine the cause of the reported smoke and any related mechanical issues.
Passenger accounts and next steps
Passengers described a tense few minutes between the turnback and the emergency landing, then a hurried slide evacuation once the decision to exit the aircraft was made. Several passengers said they felt fortunate that the landing was controlled and that emergency teams were on the scene quickly. Airport and airline staff assisted disembarked travelers on the tarmac and arranged transportation and follow-up for those needing medical attention.
Federal investigators and airline technicians will examine the aircraft and its systems as part of the probe. The FAA's review will aim to establish the cause of the engine problem and the source of the smoke, and to determine whether any procedural or mechanical changes are necessary to prevent a recurrence.
Travelers planning to fly through the airport in the hours after the incident were advised to check flight status updates and prepare for potential residual delays as the airport worked to return to full operations.
