Ground Stop Briefly in Place at Newark Airport After Smoke Report

Air traffic control tower evacuated due to burning smell from elevator

Mar. 23, 2026 at 8:32pm

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A ground stop was briefly in place on Monday morning at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after the air traffic control tower was evacuated due to reports of smoke. The Federal Aviation Administration said there was no fire, but the controllers evacuated the tower because of a burning smell coming from an elevator.

Why it matters

Newark Liberty International Airport is a major transportation hub in the Northeast, so any disruptions to operations can have widespread impacts on air travel in the region. The evacuation of the air traffic control tower raises concerns about airport safety and the ability to maintain normal flight schedules.

The details

According to the FAA, the ground stop and tower evacuation occurred around 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, March 23. The FAA stated that arrivals and departures were temporarily paused at the airport while the issue was investigated. The controllers evacuated the tower due to a burning smell from an elevator, though the FAA confirmed there was no actual fire.

  • The ground stop and tower evacuation occurred around 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, March 23.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

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 FAA is investigating the cause of the burning smell that prompted the tower evacuation to ensure there are no ongoing safety issues at the airport.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining robust safety protocols at major airports to quickly address any potential issues and minimize disruptions to air travel. The swift response by air traffic controllers and the FAA helped restore normal operations at Newark Airport.