An FAA equipment failure on Monday, September 21, 2026, caused ground stops and flight disruptions at Newark Liberty International, Philadelphia International, LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International, and Teterboro airports. The outage began around 9:45 a.m. after construction contractors in New Jersey severed a Verizon fiber optic cable, disrupting air traffic control communications.
Flight Cancellations and Airport Impact
Newark Liberty International Airport saw over 300 flights canceled by Monday evening, more than half of scheduled departures. By 6 p.m., more than 600 cancellations and nearly 100 delays were recorded at Newark. Philadelphia International Airport reported over 200 cancellations and more than 400 delays during the day.
Ground stops temporarily halted arrivals and departures at LaGuardia and JFK airports. Flights bound for Newark were diverted to Detroit Metropolitan and Washington Dulles International airports, including international flights from Iceland, Egypt, Greece, Spain, France, Berlin, and Stockholm.
FAA System Failure and Technical Background
The severed fiber cable impacted the Philadelphia TRACON air traffic control facility. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed failures in both the main and backup fiber cables, with a break found in the backup when switching systems. The affected FAA system runs on a 50-year-old data architecture slated for replacement under modernization efforts.
Official Statements and Investigation
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced repairs were completed and airport
operations resumed. He highlighted the need for increased funding to modernize FAA infrastructure. Verizon stated construction contractors caused the cut and accepted no responsibility, noting contractors are responsible for utility markings and work. New Jersey Transit said the cable was severed about 10 feet from utility markings and investigations are ongoing. FAA Administrator Bedford emphasized the outdated infrastructure and the need for a new modern federal enterprise network system.
Traveler Impact and Airline Responses
Travelers faced delays up to 150 minutes and numerous cancellations. United Airlines, managing Newark’s busiest international hub, waived change fees and offered extra pay for pickups. American Airlines, operating a Philadelphia
hub, also waived change fees and allowed flights from alternate airports. Flight diversions included international flights routed to Detroit Metropolitan and Washington Dulles airports.
