JetBlue Flight 543, an Airbus A320, departed Newark Liberty International Airport at approximately 5:43–5:55 p.m. ET on Wednesday bound for West Palm Beach, Florida. Shortly after takeoff, the crew reported an engine issue and smoke in the cockpit. The aircraft made an immediate return to Newark and landed safely.
Passengers and crew evacuated the plane via emergency slides on the taxiway. One of the 122 passengers on board was taken to a local hospital reporting chest pains. Passenger Alexandra Svokos described hearing a loud bang after takeoff, followed by the pilot announcing the return. She described the evacuation as a 'disorganized stampede' with passengers shaking and crying.
Newark Airport suspended flight operations at approximately 6:35 p.m. while the aircraft was removed from the taxiway. Operations resumed around 7 p.m. Approximately 31% of arriving flights and 30% of departing flights were delayed, with average delays reaching up to 90 minutes. The FAA confirmed it is investigating the incident.
JetBlue stated it was working with federal authorities to investigate and that safety is its top priority. The cause of the engine issue has not been officially determined.
