A Delta Air Lines flight sparked chaos at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on Tuesday, forcing authorities to implement an emergency ground stop after an alarming runway incident.
What Went Wrong?
The disruption began when Delta Flight 1943, bound for Jacksonville, Florida, experienced what officials described as a "runway excursion" shortly after 3:30 PM local time. Witnesses reported seeing the Airbus A321 veer off its intended path during taxiing, though fortunately at low speed.
Airport Operations Halted
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) immediately issued a ground stop for all arriving flights, causing significant delays across the airport. Departures were also affected as emergency crews rushed to assess the situation.
"Safety is our top priority," an FAA spokesperson later stated. "We're investigating why the aircraft left the paved surface and reviewing all relevant procedures."
Passenger Accounts
Passengers aboard the flight reported feeling a sudden jolt before the aircraft came to an abrupt stop. "It was terrifying – one moment we were moving normally, the next we were lurching sideways," said Miranda Clarkson, 34, a business traveller from Atlanta.
Another passenger, retired teacher Harold Baines, added: "The crew handled it professionally, but you could see the concern on their faces. They got us off the plane very quickly once we stopped."
Aftermath and Investigation
Airport operations resumed approximately 90 minutes later, though residual delays persisted throughout the evening. The affected aircraft was towed away for thorough inspection, with Delta arranging alternative transport for stranded passengers.
Delta Air Lines released a statement acknowledging the incident: "We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience and are working closely with authorities to determine the cause. The safety of our passengers and crew remains paramount."
Aviation experts suggest possible factors could include mechanical issues, pilot error, or adverse runway conditions, though no official cause has been confirmed.
