Newark Airport Closed Due to Aircraft Emergency

Ground stop issued as JetBlue flight reports smoke in cockpit, evacuates plane

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Newark Liberty International Airport was closed on Wednesday evening due to an aircraft emergency. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a JetBlue flight heading to Palm Beach, Florida, had to land at Newark and evacuate the plane via emergency slides after the crew reported smoke in the cockpit. The airport was shut down until 11 p.m. as authorities responded to the incident, though further details have not yet been released.

Why it matters

Newark Liberty International Airport is a major transportation hub serving the New York metropolitan area, so any closure or disruption can have significant impacts on air travel in the region. Aircraft emergencies are also concerning for passenger safety and can lead to flight delays and cancellations.

The details

According to the FAA, the JetBlue flight reported smoke in the cockpit and chose to land at Newark Airport, where the plane was evacuated using emergency slides. The airport was then closed to all traffic until 11 p.m. as authorities responded to the incident, though the specific nature of the emergency has not yet been disclosed.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, February 18, 2026.
  • Newark Airport was closed until 11 p.m. on the same day.

The players

Newark Liberty International Airport

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

JetBlue

A major American airline that operates the flight that reported the emergency.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

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

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What’s next

Authorities are expected to provide more information about the nature of the aircraft emergency and the status of the airport operations once the situation is resolved.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of airport safety protocols and the need for prompt and transparent communication from authorities when disruptions occur at major transportation hubs like Newark Airport.