What Happened at New York JFK Airport... Multiple Airline Diversions and Cancellations

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] One terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the gateway to New York, USA, has been out of operation for two consecutive days, causing a series of diversions and cancellations of flights, including those of Korean carriers. A flight departing from Auckland, New Zealand to New York circled in the air for 16 hours before ultimately returning to its origin.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on the 17th (local time), Terminal 1 at JFK Airport was closed for two consecutive days due to an electrical issue. This was a consequence of a fire caused by an electrical panel problem in a utility room early the previous day, which led to a power outage.

As a result, international flights operated by major airlines using Terminal 1 experienced continuous disruptions. The Port Authority confirmed that as of the afternoon of that day, 39 flights had been canceled.

Air New Zealand flight NZ2 was scheduled to land at JFK Airport at 5:40 PM the previous day but had to circle in the air for 16 hours due to the power outage and eventually returned to Auckland. Air New Zealand stated in a press release, "Due to the electrical fire and terminal closure at JFK Airport Terminal 1, the flight from Auckland to New York had to return to Auckland," adding, "This will also affect other services and customers."

Korean Air also diverted flight KE85 bound for New York, which departed from Incheon Airport the previous evening. The flight returned to Incheon Airport at 10:14 AM the following day, approximately 14 hours after takeoff.

Terminal 1 has a total of 11 gates. In addition to Korean carriers such as Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, international flights are operated by Air France, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Air China. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines either canceled their flights or moved them to Terminal 4 on that day. Some airlines also changed their flights to nearby airports such as Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

The Port Authority announced that Terminal 1 would partially resume limited operations starting on the 18th. Alana Kalmi, a spokesperson, stated in a press release, "Limited operations at Terminal 1 are expected to begin on Saturday following repairs and inspections," and urged, "However, travelers using Terminal 1 should continue to check with their airlines for flight status before departure."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.