A control tower at Newark Liberty International Airport was evacuated following reports of smoke, prompting a temporary halt in air traffic.
According to Reuters, the incident was caused by a burning smell originating from an elevator within the tower. The situation led to a ground stop, one of the strictest air traffic control measures, preventing aircraft from taking off or landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that arrivals and departures were paused at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time while air traffic controllers evacuated the facility.
A ground stop typically requires all affected aircraft to remain on the ground until conditions are deemed safe. Authorities initially expected the disruption to last until midday, with possible delays extending into the afternoon.
During the incident, air traffic operations were briefly shifted to an alternative control location. However, controllers returned to the tower shortly afterward, and the ground stop was lifted within about 30 minutes.
The airport, one of three major hubs serving New York City, resumed normal operations soon after the situation was resolved.
The incident follows a separate aviation accident at LaGuardia Airport, where a plane collided with a fire vehicle, raising broader concerns about aviation safety in the region.
