Hundreds of flights at major US airports experienced delays on Monday after construction workers inadvertently severed a cable essential for air traffic control operations. Ground stops and delays were issued for airports across New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Transport officials confirmed that the damage affected the Terminal Radar Approach Control system, which is crucial for guiding aircraft during takeoff and landing. Verizon, the owner of the cable, stated it is working to repair it "as quickly as possible" and bears no responsibility for the incident.
Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey was significantly impacted, with 267 departing flights and 257 arriving flights delayed, according to FlightAware. John F Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport were also affected.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attributed the damage to Amtrak workers conducting construction in New Jersey. The severed cable was a backup network, with the error only discovered after the primary circuit failed, officials reported. This disruption occurred ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday.