Hundreds of flights were delayed at major US airports on Monday after construction workers accidentally cut a backup cable essential for air traffic control. The incident impacted the Terminal Radar Approach Control system, leading to ground stops and significant disruptions, particularly at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The disruption highlights the fragility of critical infrastructure supporting air travel and the potential for cascading delays impacting thousands of passengers and significant economic activity, especially with major international events like the UN General Assembly underway.
Hundreds of flights were delayed at major US airports on Monday afternoon after construction workers accidentally cut a cable vital for air traffic control. The incident, which occurred in New Jersey, impacted the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) system, responsible for guiding aircraft during takeoff and landing.
Verizon, the telecommunications company that owns the cable, stated it was working on repairs and bore no responsibility for the incident. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported on X that Amtrak workers, while performing construction, caused the telecom outage. Officials noted that the severed cable was a backup network, and the primary circuit had failed prior to the backup being cut.
Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey experienced the most significant disruptions, with FlightAware reporting 267 departing flights delayed and 257 incoming flights also affected. John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport in New York, and Philadelphia International Airport were also impacted. The disruptions come ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York City, where numerous world leaders are expected to arrive.
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