Newark Liberty in the news after a string of US travel chaos and a LaGuardia incident tied to NYC air traffic. Serves NYC metro, located in Newark/Elizabeth, NJ.
A partial government shutdown since February 14 has strained TSA staffing, causing increased security lines, flight cancellations, and delays at major U.S. airports. Severe weather and staffing issues have compounded travel disruptions, affecting thousands of travelers nationwide today, March 17, 2026.
On Sunday night, an Air Canada regional jet landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport collided with a Port Authority fire truck responding to a separate incident. The crash killed both pilots and injured 41 others, including two fire truck occupants. LaGuardia remains closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday as investigations continue amid ongoing airport disruptions.
The FAA evacuated Newark Liberty's control tower after a burning smell from an elevator. The disruption lasted less than an hour with no injuries. This follows a recent chemical odor incident at multiple airports and a fatal crash at LaGuardia involving a collision with a fire truck.
Travel disruptions continue across US airports due to TSA staffing shortages caused by the government shutdown. Passengers face unpredictable wait times, missed flights, and increased stress, with some airports experiencing delays of up to four hours. The situation remains uncertain as TSA callouts and lack of real-time information persist.
Spirit Airlines has ceased operations and cancelled all flights, prompting major carriers — United, American, JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, Frontier and Allegiant — to offer temporary price-capped or reduced "rescue fares" and other help for stranded passengers; Spirit is promising automatic refunds for card purchases while bankruptcy proceedings will determine other reimbursements.
A Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan to Chicago diverted to Miami after a passenger attempted to open exit doors and attacked a crew member. Off-duty staff and passengers helped restrain him before authorities arrested him in Miami. A separate Bluetooth-word incident on a Newark flight prompted a later security sweep and reboarding.
A US-registered Gulfstream G200 Galaxy has crashed near La Romana after declaring an emergency during a return to the Dominican Republic airport. The two crew members have died; MLB star Yadier Molina had been travelling with a group en route to Texas. Investigations are underway with authorities reviewing mechanical failures and weather factors.
The Brazilian team prepares for its World Cup opener against Morocco as Neymar's calf injury casts doubt on his participation. Wesley’s thigh injury has sidelined him, while Brito’s passing is mourned by the federation. Marquinhos is named captain as the squad faces scrutiny over expectations and history.