Flights Delayed at Major US Airports Due to Cable Cut by Construction Workers
BBC News reports on significant flight delays at several major US airports following a cable cut by construction workers.
Impact and Disruptions
On Monday afternoon, ground stops and delays were implemented for airports in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. The issue affected the Terminal Radar Approach Control system, which is crucial for guiding planes during takeoff and landing.
Incident Details
Verizon, the telecommunications company that owns the cable, stated they are working to repair it as swiftly as possible and took no responsibility for the incident. Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey bore the brunt of the disruptions, with 267 departing flights delayed and 257 incoming flights also facing delays. John F Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York, along with Philadelphia International Airport, were also affected.
Cause and Responsibility
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attributed the damage to workers from Amtrak who were conducting construction in New Jersey, causing a telecommunications outage. The severed cable was a backup network, and the primary circuit failure led to the FAA grounding flights.
Timing of Disruptions
These disruptions occur ahead of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City on Tuesday, raising concerns about potential travel chaos as world leaders arrive.