Between unidentified flying objects, near-miss landings and mid-air fires, it is not essentially the most carefree time to board a airplane.
Now, one of many world’s busiest airports, John F. Kennedy Worldwide (JFK), was compelled to shut a whole terminal Friday on account of {an electrical} hearth that induced an influence outage.
Then, in what can solely be described as an aviation nightmare, the closure compelled a airplane leaving Auckland, New Zealand sure for JFK to return to its unique vacation spot after a brutal 16 hours already within the air.
JFK launched a press release on Twitter confirming the closure of Terminal 1 following the incident.
JFK Terminal 1 will stay closed Feb. 17 on account of electrical points because the Port Authority continues to work with the terminal’s operator to revive flight operations as quickly as attainable. Vacationers ought to examine with their airline for flight standing earlier than arriving on the airport.
– John F. Kennedy Airport (@JFKairport) February 17, 2023
In a follow-up response to a involved buyer, the airport defined that the outage was attributable to an “electrical panel failure,” which was the unique explanation for the “remoted hearth” that happened in a single day. The airport additionally mentioned the hearth was instantly extinguished.
Many offended passengers took to the social media platform to voice their grievances and ask for updates.
That is pathetic.
— I noticed C-Beams glitter at the hours of darkness (@accidentalflyer) February 17, 2023
Completely unacceptable, electrical points inflicting JFK Terminal 1 to shut for 2 days, nobody responsible?
— Bryan Liu (@Broscoccer) February 17, 2023
Worst airport on the planet, no airtrain, no terminals, no cell service in “new terminals”, insanely lengthy safety strains, canceled flights on account of horrible infrastructure…worse than a 3rd world airport! #EpicFail
— your2it (@your2it) February 17, 2023
When do you count on the reopening? Do not you suppose that is the query folks want a solution to? New York Metropolis Worldwide Airport will not be getting energy. What a joke.
— Pippo (@mdbpg_azzurri) February 17, 2023
In response to ABC Information, a New Zealand Air spokesman mentioned the airplane couldn’t land elsewhere in the US as a result of “diversion to a different US port would have meant the airplane can be grounded for a number of days.” Passengers on that flight have been rebooked on the following accessible flight, in accordance with the identical supply.
Over 126 flights had been delayed out and in of JFK on Friday, and one other 38 had been canceled, although FlightAware did not say which terminal they flew in or out of.
JFK mentioned it’ll present updates by way of Twitter as they turn into accessible. As of 1 p.m. EST on Friday, the terminal was nonetheless closed.