A Verizon fiber-optic cable was accidentally severed by a NJ Transit construction crew on September 21, 2026, disrupting air traffic control systems and causing widespread flight cancellations and delays at Newark Liberty International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and New York City area airports.
Flight Cancellations, Delays and Diversions
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted flights bound for Newark and Philadelphia, resulting in more than 600 canceled flights and nearly 100 delays at Newark by 6 p.m. on the same day, according to FlightAware data. Philadelphia saw over 200 cancellations and more than 400 delays. Nearly 100 flights, including international arrivals from Iceland, Egypt, Greece, Spain,
and France, diverted to alternate U.S. airports during the outage. A United flight from Berlin diverted to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and an SAS flight from Stockholm bound for Newark was sent to Washington Dulles International Airport.
Air Traffic Control System Impact and Technical Cause
The disruption affected the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility in Philadelphia, which manages flights to and from Newark and Philadelphia. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford reported, “when it went to flip into the backup, we discovered the backup fiber had a break,” causing a total outage of the backup data feed critical for air traffic controllers. This followed an initial failure of
the primary circuit.
Statements from Verizon, NJ Transit and Federal Officials
NJ Transit confirmed that its construction crew accidentally severed the Verizon fiber-optic cable while working about 10 feet from utility markings during a rail project between New Brunswick and North Brunswick, New Jersey. Verizon said, “Construction contractors working in the area dug up and cut our cable,” and stated, “Verizon’s facilities were fully functional up to that point. Verizon bears no responsibility for this incident.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on X that the damaged cable was repaired and flights were resuming, adding, “This incident underscores the need for additional funding to modernize aging infrastructure and prevent
disruptions like this in the future.” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford also discussed the primary and backup circuit failures impacting the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility.
Airline Response and Passenger Impact
United Airlines, the busiest international hub operator at Newark Liberty International Airport, waived change fees and offered extra pay to employees picking up shifts to ease staffing challenges. The airline confirmed commuter opportunities into the New York City area for staff. American Airlines waived change fees and allowed customers to change travel to other airports. Passengers faced long waits, including some on diverted planes such as those sent to Boston with no information for
two hours after scheduled arrival. More than 100 flights bound for Newark were diverted to airports including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Additional Airport Disruptions and Context
Flights into LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport were briefly halted but resumed with residual delays by late afternoon on September 21, 2026. The incident occurred shortly before the United Nations General Assembly convened in New York City, affecting expected inbound international flights. This disruption highlights ongoing challenges with aging air traffic control equipment despite the previous year’s multibillion-dollar modernization initiative announced under the Trump administration.
