Between unidentified flying objects, near-crash landings, and fires breaking out in the air, it’s not exactly the most carefree time to be getting on a plane.
Now, one of the busiest airports in the world, John F. Kennedy International (JFK), had to shut down an entire terminal on Friday due to an electrical fire that caused a power outage.
Then, in what can only be described as an aviation nightmare, the closure forced a plane that left Auckland, New Zealand heading toward JFK to divert back to its original destination after a brutal 16 hours already airborne.
JFK released a statement on Twitter confirming the closure of Terminal 1 following the incident.
JFK Terminal 1 will remain closed on 2/17 due to electrical issues as the Port Authority continues working with the terminal’s operator to restore flight operations as quickly as possible. Travelers should check with their carriers for flight status before coming to the airport.
— John F. Kennedy Airport (@JFKairport) February 17, 2023
In a follow-up response to a concerned customer, the airport explained that the outage was caused by an “electrical panel failure” that was the original cause of the “isolated fire” that took place overnight. The airport also said that the fire was put out immediately.
Many disgruntled passengers took to the social media platform to air their grievances and ask for updates.
This is just pathetic.
— I watched C-beams glitter in the dark (@accidentalflyer) February 17, 2023
Totally unacceptable, electrical issues causing JFK Terminal 1 closing for two days, no one is responsible for that?
— Bryan Liu (@Broscoccer) February 17, 2023
The worse airport in the world, No airtrain, no terminals, no celular service in “new terminals”, security lines crazy long, flights canceled due to horrible infrastructure… worse than a third world airport! #EpicFail
— your2it (@your2it) February 17, 2023
When do you expect to reopen it? Don’t you think that’s the question people need an answer to? New York City international airport can’t get power. What a joke.
— Pippo (@mdbpg_azzurri) February 17, 2023
According to ABC News, a spokesperson for New Zealand Air explained that the plane was unable to land elsewhere in the United States because “diverting to another U.S. port would have meant the aircraft would remain on the ground for several days.” Passengers on that flight have been rebooked on the next available flight out, per the same source.
Over 126 flights were delayed in and out of JFK on Friday with another 38 canceled, though FlightAware did not specify which terminal they were coming in or out of.
JFK said that it would provide updates via Twitter as soon as they become available. As of 1 p.m. EST on Friday, the terminal was still shut down.
