On March 23, 2026, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey faced significant operational challenges due to an evacuation of its air traffic control tower. The evacuation was prompted by a report of smoke, which was detected following a burning smell from an elevator.
The incident began at approximately 7:30 a.m., when the ground stop was initiated, pausing all arrivals and departures at Newark Airport. Air traffic controllers were relocated to a backup facility during this time to ensure continued operations.
By 8:30 a.m., the ground stop was lifted, allowing flights to resume. Fortunately, no fire was reported, and the situation was managed without any major incidents. However, the disruption coincided with a closure at LaGuardia Airport due to a plane collision with a truck on a runway, further complicating travel operations in the region.
During this period, security lines at Newark fluctuated significantly, ranging from just a few minutes to nearly an hour, attributed to TSA shortages. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the temporary pause in operations affected the second-busiest airport serving New York City.
Additionally, ICE agents were present at Newark Airport, although their specific role in the security measures remains unclear. This added another layer of uncertainty amid the operational disruptions.
The incident occurred on a busy travel day, contributing to the challenges faced by travelers and airport staff alike. The number of people affected by the concurrent events at LaGuardia included 41 individuals taken to the hospital, with 32 later released.
As Newark Airport continues to manage the aftermath of this incident, details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of ICE agents’ involvement in security and which airports may continue to receive their support.
