Newark Airport Reopens After JetBlue Engine Failure Forces Evening Ground Stop
Updated (4 articles)
Engine Failure and Cabin Smoke Prompt Emergency Return Flight 543, a JetBlue Airbus A320 bound for West Palm Beach, lifted off from Newark at about 5:30 p.m. on Feb 19, 2026, then suffered an engine malfunction and cabin smoke, forcing a return after roughly 17 minutes in the air; the crew evacuated all 122 passengers via slides, and one passenger was taken to a hospital for chest pains while no injuries were otherwise reported [1][2]. The pilot requested a runway exit and fire‑rescue inspection of the number‑one engine before any further action, and ATC confirmed the aircraft was cleared to land safely [1]. JetBlue emphasized that safety remained its top priority and pledged full cooperation with investigators [1][2].
Full Airport Shutdown Followed by Partial Reopening at Evening The engine failure triggered an immediate FAA ground stop that halted all inbound traffic to Newark Liberty International Airport, leading to a full airport closure until roughly 7 p.m. Eastern Time [1][2]. Newark reopened around 7 p.m., but average departure and arrival delays lingered at about 90 minutes, with peaks reaching two hours, and officials warned that disruptions could continue through midnight [2]. The Port Authority confirmed the incident caused a cascading effect on the region’s busiest airport during the evening travel window [2].
FAA Investigation Initiated and JetBlue Emphasizes Safety The Federal Aviation Administration opened a formal investigation into the engine malfunction and smoke event, citing potential safety directives and the need to determine the cause [1][2]. JetBlue released a statement reiterating its commitment to passenger safety, outlining support for affected customers and crew, and confirming ongoing collaboration with federal regulators [1][2]. Travelers were advised to monitor real‑time flight information as the airport remained operational but subject to continued delays [2].
Sources
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1.
CNN: JetBlue Airbus A320 Evacuates After Smoke, Newark Airport Temporarily Closed: details the emergency landing, runway exit request, immediate evacuation, FAA ground stop until 7 p.m., no injuries, and the launch of an investigation .
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2.
Newsweek: Newark Airport Reopens After JetBlue Engine Failure Causes Full Ground Stop: focuses on the airport’s 7 p.m. reopening, 90‑minute average delays, one passenger hospitalized, Port Authority’s full stop, FAA probe, and JetBlue’s safety emphasis .
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Timeline
Dec 13, 2025 – United Flight 803 loses power in one engine during take‑off at Dulles, igniting a brush fire near the runway, prompting an immediate emergency response [2].
Dec 13, 2025 – The crew aborts take‑off, circles back and lands safely around 1:20 p.m.; all 275 passengers and 15 crew members emerge unharmed [4].
Dec 13, 2025 – MWAA spokesperson Emily McGee confirms, “the fire was put out and the aircraft was cleared to land,” after fire crews extinguish the brush fire [2].
Dec 13, 2025 – The FAA announces it will investigate the engine failure and associated fire to determine cause and safety implications [2].
Dec 13, 2025 – United arranges a replacement aircraft and temporarily closes a United Club lounge to re‑accommodate affected passengers [2].
Dec 13, 2025 – Flight 803 continues as a regularly scheduled Washington‑Tokyo service, indicating crew familiarity with the route despite the incident [2].
Feb 19, 2026 – JetBlue Flight 543 departs Newark at ~5:30 p.m. for West Palm Beach, experiences an engine problem and cabin smoke, and returns after 17 minutes in flight [1].
Feb 19, 2026 – The pilot requests a runway exit and asks fire‑rescue to inspect the number‑one engine before any further action [1].
Feb 19, 2026 – Cabin smoke triggers an immediate evacuation; emergency slides deploy and passengers exit via the slides [1].
Feb 19, 2026 – Newark Airport closes and the FAA issues a ground stop on all inbound flights until about 7 p.m. ET [1].
Feb 19, 2026 – No injuries are reported, though one passenger is taken to a hospital for chest pains [3].
Feb 19, 2026 – The FAA opens an investigation into the engine failure and smoke incident [1].
Feb 19, 2026 – JetBlue states, “safety is our top priority and we are cooperating fully with federal authorities,” emphasizing its commitment to passenger safety [1].
Feb 19, 2026 – Newark Airport reopens around 7 p.m., but average delays linger at about 90 minutes, with potential extensions until midnight [3].
All related articles (4 articles)
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CNN: JetBlue Airbus A320 Evacuates After Smoke, Newark Airport Temporarily Closed
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Newsweek: Newark Airport Reopens After JetBlue Engine Failure Causes Full Ground Stop
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AP: United Flight 803 Returns Safely After Engine Failure at Dulles
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CNN: United Flight 803 Returns to Dulles After Engine Power Loss and Brush Fire
External resources (1 links)
- https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/UAL803 (cited 1 times)