JetBlue engine failure on takeoff at Newark airport disrupts air traffic

The Guardian • February 19, 2026 • business

Key Points:

A JetBlue flight bound for West Palm Beach, Florida, experienced an engine failure on takeoff at Newark Liberty International Airport, prompting an emergency return and landing on a taxiway.
Passengers and crew evacuated the Airbus A320 using slides, with no injuries reported, according to the FAA.
The FAA temporarily paused some arrivals and departures at Newark, causing delays for approximately 30% of flights, before resuming normal operations after about 7:00 pm ET.
The cause of the engine failure is currently unknown, and the FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
JetBlue emphasized that safety is its top priority and is cooperating with federal authorities to determine what happened.