Newark Liberty International Airport faced a significant disruption on February 18, 2026, when a JetBlue flight heading to Palm Beach, Florida, reported smoke in the cockpit. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely at the bustling New York hub, known as EWR, and passengers were swiftly evacuated using emergency slides. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries following the incident.
In response to the situation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a ground stop, suspending all incoming and outgoing flights while safety teams investigated both the runway and the aircraft involved. This incident further complicates operations at EWR, already dealing with numerous challenges. The FAA has restricted the number of flights at the airport until October 2026 due to staffing shortages and high traffic volumes. Notably, previous incidents, including a significant equipment outage in 2025 at a nearby control center, caused extensive flight delays across the country, compounded further by low cloud cover affecting air travel in the region.
Travelers faced considerable inconvenience as cancellations and reroutes left many stranded during peak evening hours. The ripple effects of this disruption extended to neighboring airports like JFK and LaGuardia (LGA), prompting airlines to advise passengers to stay updated through their apps. The ongoing strain caused by multiple construction projects, including runway upgrades and AirTrain issues, has added to the operational pressure at the airport.
The exact cause of the smoke, which may have been linked to an electrical or mechanical issue, remains uncertain as the investigation unfolds. FAA officials emphasized their commitment to safety, stating, “We acted swiftly to ensure no risks to other operations.” As the situation develops, CBS News New York is closely monitoring for updates, and passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines and the FAA for recovery progress on Thursday.
While the incident is unfortunate, it highlights the importance of safety protocols in air travel and the responsiveness of authorities to mitigate risks.