JetBlue Flight 543 Evacuated at Newark After Engine Issue Causes Cabin Smoke, Prompting Brief Airport Shutdown

A JetBlue Airbus A320 bound for West Palm Beach made an emergency return to Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday evening after an engine problem triggered smoke in the cabin, forcing passengers to evacuate via emergency slides and temporarily halting operations at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

JetBlue Flight 543 departed Newark around 5:43 p.m. ET but turned back after just 15-17 minutes in the air. The crew reported an issue with engine number one and smoke filling the cabin and cockpit. The aircraft landed safely shortly after 6 p.m., exited the runway, and then the crew initiated an evacuation on the taxiway.

Passengers deployed inflatable slides and exited the plane onto the tarmac, with emergency responders surrounding the aircraft. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and JetBlue.

The incident prompted a full ground stop at Newark Liberty (EWR), suspending arrivals and departures while the plane was removed from the taxiway and safety checks were conducted. The Port Authority announced the closure around 6 p.m., with operations resuming by approximately 7-8 p.m. ET after the aircraft was cleared and the runway/taxiway inspected.

Air traffic control audio captured by LiveATC.net captured the urgency: A pilot reported “smoke in the back” and announced the need to evacuate shortly after landing. An emergency responder warned the tower that “he’s going to pull the chutes,” referring to the slides. The tower then broadcast, “Attention all aircraft, Newark Airport is closed.”
JetBlue confirmed in statements to CNN, USA TODAY and Business Insider that the return was due to a “reported engine issue and smoke in the cabin.” The airline emphasized, “Safety is JetBlue’s top priority. We are focused on supporting our customers and crewmembers and will work closely with the appropriate federal authorities to investigate what occurred.”

The FAA is leading the investigation, with no immediate cause details released beyond the engine and smoke reports. The incident added to ongoing challenges at Newark, where flight caps remain in place through 2026 due to air traffic control staffing shortages and congestion.

Passengers were re-accommodated on later flights or provided hotel stays and assistance, though specific numbers on the flight were not disclosed. Eyewitness accounts and social media posts described a calm but tense evacuation, with smoke visible in the cabin prompting quick action from the crew.

The event echoes rare but serious cabin smoke incidents that can stem from engine oil leaks, electrical faults or other mechanical failures. No fire was reported, and the aircraft was towed away for inspection.

Newark Liberty, a major hub for United Airlines and others, handles millions of passengers annually. The brief shutdown caused ripple delays across the Northeast corridor, though operations normalized within hours.
JetBlue, known for its low-cost model and focus on customer experience, has faced scrutiny in recent years over operational issues, but the airline reiterated its commitment to safety in response to the incident.

As the FAA probe continues, officials urged passengers on affected flights to check status with airlines. No further disruptions were anticipated overnight.