Trending Now - Newark Airport Control Tower Evacuated Over Smoke Warnings
WHO:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Newark Liberty International Airport
WHAT:
Officials determined that the problem at Newark Liberty International Airport was a burning smell in an elevator.
The air traffic control tower was reopened after the evacuation due to the smoke reports.
Reports indicate that the evacuation was triggered by a burning odor in the air traffic control tower.
A ground stop was enacted at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The air traffic control tower was evacuated due to reports of smoke.
WHERE:
Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey
WHEN:
The ground stop occurred on Monday morning, March 23rd, 2026.
WHY:
The situation at Newark Liberty International Airport is described as part of a broader crisis in the American aviation system, which is reportedly “near collapse” amid various issues including fatal crashes and stressed-out air traffic controllers.
The evacuation and ground stop were implemented as a precautionary measure following the detection of smoke and a burning smell.
The ground stop was initiated due to reports of smoke in the air traffic control tower.
HOW:
President Trump has deployed ICE agents to at least a dozen airports across the country to assist TSA agents amid a Transportation Security Administration shutdown.
The FAA stated that the ground stop was enacted to ensure the safety of passengers and crew in response to the smoke reports.
The FAA implemented a ground stop as a safety measure in response to the smoke reports.
(UPDATED March 23, 2026 19:47 UTC)
A burning smell in an elevator prompted officials to evacuate parts of Newark Liberty International Airport, but the air traffic control tower has since reopened following the smoke reports. This incident is part of a larger crisis facing the American aviation system, which is described as being "near collapse" due to various challenges, including fatal crashes and overwhelmed air traffic controllers. In response to the ongoing Transportation Security Administration shutdown, President Trump has deployed ICE agents to at least a dozen airports nationwide to support TSA personnel.
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(UPDATED March 23, 2026 15:36 UTC)
Today, reports have emerged that an evacuation of the air traffic control tower was triggered by a burning odor detected in the facility. As a precautionary measure, the FAA implemented a ground stop after smoke was reported, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew. The situation unfolded around 15:36 UTC, leading to immediate action to address the potential hazard.
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(UPDATED March 23, 2026 13:38 UTC)
This morning, a ground stop was enacted at Newark Liberty International Airport after reports of smoke in the air traffic control tower. The Federal Aviation Administration took this precautionary measure to ensure safety as the situation unfolded. Passengers and flights at the airport are currently affected by this ground stop, which was initiated around 13:38 UTC.