On March 23, 2026, Newark Liberty International Airport experienced a significant disruption when the air traffic control tower was evacuated due to a report of smoke. The evacuation was prompted by a burning smell detected from an elevator, leading to immediate safety protocols being enacted.
The situation escalated around 7:30 a.m. when a ground stop was initiated at Newark Airport, pausing all arrivals and departures. Air traffic controllers were relocated to a backup facility to ensure continued operations while the situation was assessed.
By 8:30 a.m., the ground stop was lifted, and operations began to resume. Fortunately, no fire was reported during the incident, but the burning smell raised concerns among airport personnel and travelers alike.
This incident coincided with a separate emergency at LaGuardia Airport, where a plane collided with a truck on the runway, leading to its closure. The simultaneous disruptions at both airports significantly affected travel operations in the New York City area.
Reports indicated that security lines at Newark fluctuated dramatically, with wait times ranging from just minutes to nearly an hour due to TSA shortages. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that arrivals and departures were temporarily paused at Newark during the incident.
Adding to the complexity, ICE agents were present at Newark Airport, although their specific role in security during this incident remains unclear. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of their involvement and whether they will continue to support security operations at Newark.
Newark Airport is the second-busiest airport serving New York City, making the operational challenges on this busy travel day particularly impactful for passengers and airlines alike. The incident also resulted in 41 individuals being taken to the hospital following the Air Canada plane incident at LaGuardia, with 32 of those released shortly thereafter.
As Newark Airport navigates the aftermath of this incident, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations while addressing the concerns raised by travelers and airport staff.