Passengers Evacuated After Emergency Landing at Newark Airport

JetBlue flight forced to return to Newark due to smoke in the cockpit

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Flights at Newark Liberty International Airport were temporarily suspended after a JetBlue flight had to make an emergency landing due to smoke in the cockpit. The Airbus A320 flight, bound for West Palm Beach, Florida, evacuated passengers via slides upon returning to Newark around 5:55 p.m. There have been no reported injuries.

Why it matters

Emergency landings and evacuations at major airports like Newark can cause significant travel disruptions, flight delays, and safety concerns for passengers. This incident highlights the importance of proper emergency protocols and the need for continued safety improvements in the aviation industry.

The details

The JetBlue flight 543 had to immediately return to Newark Airport after the crew reported smoke in the cockpit. Passengers were evacuated from the plane via emergency slides upon landing. Newark Airport subsequently suspended all flight operations while the aircraft was removed from the taxiway.

  • The JetBlue flight 543 took off from Newark en route to West Palm Beach, Florida around 5:55 p.m.

The players

JetBlue

A major American low-cost airline and one of the largest carriers at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Newark Liberty International Airport

A major international airport located in Newark, New Jersey, serving the New York metropolitan area.

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What’s next

The airport is advising travelers to check with their airline for updated travel information as flight operations resume.

The takeaway

This emergency landing and evacuation at Newark Airport underscores the importance of robust safety protocols and procedures in the aviation industry to protect passengers when unexpected incidents occur.