NEWARK—Newark Liberty International Airport experienced two significant safety events within six days as a control tower evacuation disrupted operations on March 23, just days after a near-miss runway incursion prompted federal investigation. The incidents compound existing operational pressures at New Jersey's busiest airport, where federal regulators have already imposed flight reductions to address chronic delays and staffing shortages.

March 23 Tower Evacuation

Air traffic controllers evacuated Newark's control tower at approximately 7:30 AM on March 23, following reports of a burning smell emanating from an elevator. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the evacuation triggered a ground stop lasting approximately 30 minutes. Controllers returned to the tower by 8:00 AM after firefighters determined that no fire was present. No injuries were reported though residual flight delays persisted through the morning.

The evacuation exposed the vulnerability of Newark's single-tower dependency. Unlike larger facilities with redundant control positions, Newark relies on one primary tower for all takeoff and landing clearances. The incident occurred at a critical control point for the New York metropolitan area's airspace, as Newark ranks as the region’s third-busiest airport by volume, processing 48.9 million passengers in 2024

March 17 Near-Miss Investigation

The evacuation followed a more serious incident on March 17, when Alaska Airlines Flight 294 and FedEx Flight 721 came within 300 to 325 feet of each other over intersecting runways. The near-miss occurred at approximately 8:15 PM as the Alaska Boeing 737, carrying 171 passengers and 6 crew from Portland, was cleared to land on Runway 22L. Simultaneously, a FedEx Boeing 777 was cleared for final approach to the intersecting Runway 29.

Air traffic controllers instructed the Alaska flight to execute a go-around when it was at 150 feet above ground level. FlightRadar24 ADS-B data confirmed the Alaska aircraft climbed from 300 to 325 feet as it passed above the FedEx cargo jet. Both aircraft landed safely.

The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA opened investigations on March 18. NTSB procedures typically produce a preliminary report within two to three weeks, summarizing basic facts without assigning blame. Final probable cause determinations may take 12 to 24 months, depending on case complexity. A former FAA vice president told ABC7 that the controller "waited, and unfortunately in my opinion too long" before ordering the go-around.

Systemic Context: Reduced Capacity, Heightened Risk

The dual incidents emerge against a backdrop of constrained operations at Newark. The FAA imposed interim flight reductions in May 2025, cutting maximum hourly operations from 77 to 56 until June 15, with continued limitations through October. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau cited "staffing challenges, and recent equipment issues" as driving factors.

Newark recorded eight runway incursions in 2024. While none resulted in collisions, the March 17 near-miss represents a significant escalation in severity. The FAA has pursued "zero serious close calls" as a national goal, deploying surface detection technology at 44 major airports and reducing ADS-B-enabled separation standards from 5 to 3 nautical miles in en route airspace below 23,000 feet.

The March 23 tower evacuation and March 17 near-miss demonstrate how infrastructure fragility and controller timing pressures converge at capacity-constrained facilities. With NTSB investigations active and flight restrictions continuing through 2025, Newark faces sustained scrutiny of its safety margins.

Article updated 23 March, 9:08 PM: formatting changes only.

Sources 

● Federal Aviation Administration. "Newark Liberty International Airport Control Tower Evacuation Statement" (March 23, 2026)

● USA Today. "Newark Liberty International Airport resumes flights after control tower evacuated over burning smell" (March 23, 2026)

● The Hill. "Newark Airport resumes flights after control tower evacuated over burning smell" (March 23, 2026)

● US News. "Newark Liberty International Airport Resumes Flights After Control Tower Evacuated Over Burning Smell" (March 23, 2026)

● ABC News. "Newark Airport control tower evacuated due to burning smell from elevator; operations resume" (March 23, 2026)

● NBC New York. "Newark Airport ground stop: Air traffic control tower evacuated, flights resume" (March 23, 2026)

● NorthJersey.com. "Newark Airport flights resume after tower evacuated for smoke; delays persist" (March 23, 2026)

● Fox 5 New York. "Newark Airport tower evacuated, flights grounded briefly" (March 23, 2026)

● National Transportation Safety Board. "Investigation Opened: Newark Liberty International Airport Runway Incursion" (March 18, 2026)

● Federal Aviation Administration. "Newark Runway Incursion Statement" (March 18, 2026)

● Alaska Airlines. "Statement on Flight 294 Operational Event at Newark" (March 18, 2026)

● FedEx. "Statement on Flight 721 Operational Event at Newark" (March 18, 2026)

● FlightRadar24. "Newark Near Miss: ADS-B Data Analysis" (March 18, 2026)