A disabled aircraft on a runway at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, New York, prompted a temporary ground stop on July 18, 2025. The FAA issued the alert at 1:37 PM EDT due to an “inbound aircraft emergency,” halting all departures from one of North America’s busiest airports. The stoppage lasted until approximately 2:30 PM, leading to residual delays that affected travelers throughout the day, according to reports.
While the FAA confirmed that the ground stop was lifted around 3:30 PM after the situation was resolved, specific details about the incident, such as the identity of the aircraft involved and whether there were any injuries, have not been disclosed. Social media was abuzz with speculation, reflecting the heightened concern among passengers. One post on X noted, “All aircraft were temporarily grounded at JFK due to an emergency… Situation now stabilising, but expect delays.”
This latest disruption is part of a trend at JFK Airport, following another incident on July 14 when travelers discovered their luggage covered in a foul-smelling substance believed to be from a toilet on a Virgin Atlantic flight. The airport’s high traffic volume, which accounts for more than 90 airlines and over 12.8 million annual passengers at Terminal 8 alone, exacerbates the impact of such incidents.
The FAA’s quick response to halt departures showcases its commitment to safety, as issues like the disabled aircraft can significantly disrupt airport operations. Despite the lifting of the ground stop, the FAA has warned travelers of a 30-60% likelihood of extended delays due to the backlog created during the incident.
Recent incidents, including a stray dog causing go-arounds on April 17 and a JetBlue plane veering off a runway in Boston in June, underscore the ongoing safety challenges at major airports. The FAA is expected to conduct an investigation, and the findings could lead to updates in safety protocols.
JFK has also experienced multiple weather-related ground stops recently, particularly during thunderstorms on July 3 and July 15, which caused flight delays of up to three hours. The airport is currently undergoing infrastructure upgrades, with a new Terminal 6 planned for opening in 2026, aimed at enhancing capacity and improving operational efficiency in the long run.
As the situation develops, travelers are encouraged to stay informed through airline updates and to plan ahead for potential delays when flying through JFK.