A JetBlue Airways flight was forced to return to Newark Liberty International Airport, United States, on Wednesday evening after experiencing an engine issue that led to smoke in the cabin and cockpit, prompting an emergency evacuation.
Flight B6 543, an Airbus A320, carrying registration N640JB, bound for West Palm Beach, Florida, departed Newark around 17 minutes before the crew declared an emergency and decided to turn back. After landing safely, the aircraft was stopped on a taxiway and passengers and crew evacuated via emergency slides onto the tarmac.
The evacuation triggered a temporary ground stop, with arrivals and departures at Newark suspended for roughly an hour as the aircraft was cleared and safety inspections were conducted. Flight operations resumed later in the evening.
No injuries were reported. Airline and airport officials stressed that safety remains the top priority, and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the cause of the engine issue and the smoke reported on board.
Passengers evacuated JetBlue flight 543 at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday after the crew reported engine failure and smoke in the cockpit.
JetBlue flight 543 took off shortly after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday heading to West Palm Beach, the Port Authority told media.… pic.twitter.com/9FjQNPRxg6
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