A significant disruption to air traffic occurred at several major airports across the northeastern United States on Monday afternoon when construction workers accidentally cut a cable essential to air traffic control operations. The incident affected facilities in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, resulting in ground stops and widespread flight delays throughout the region.
The damaged cable impacted the Terminal Radar Approach Control system, which provides guidance for aircraft during takeoff and landing operations. According to transportation officials, the severed line was actually a backup network, with the error only coming to light after the primary circuit failed. Initial responsibility for the construction work was disputed, with US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attributing the damage to Amtrak workers, while an Amtrak representative stated the incident involved a contractor for NJ Transit. Verizon, which owns the telecommunications cable, also stated it bore no responsibility. NJ Transit acknowledged its construction workers had cut the line and indicated that safety markers had been improperly positioned at the excavation site.
Newark Liberty International Airport experienced the heaviest impact, with flight-tracking data showing 267 departing flights and 257 arriving flights delayed. John F Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport also faced disruptions. Some passengers experienced significant complications, including aircraft diversions to alternate airports and extended waits on tarmacs with limited information.
US Transportation Secretary Duffy announced later Monday that the cable had been successfully repaired and airports would resume normal operations, though residual delays persisted. The incident occurred ahead of the UN General Assembly scheduled to take place in New York City on Tuesday, which was expected to bring numerous international leaders to regional airports.
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