Earthquake halts some flights at New York area airports

The greater New York City area experienced a 4.8 magnitude earthquake Friday morning, resulting in flight disruptions at nearby airports.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) posted online that the earthquake, the epicenter of which occurred in New Jersey, “may impact air traffic facilities in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Baltimore.”

“Air traffic operations are resuming as quickly as possible,” the FAA said.

The FAA issued a ground stop for flights departing Newark Liberty International Airport. Arrivals are delayed an average of 45 minutes and increasing due to the volume of flights. The ground stop is issued until 12:30 p.m. EDT and has a 30 percent to 60 percent chance of being extended.

John F. Kennedy International Airport issued a ground stop shortly after the earthquake, which was later lifted. The airport posted online that it remains open and operational and advised travelers to check with their carriers for updates to their flight status.

LaGuardia Airport said that it remains open and operational, as well. Flights are “arriving and departing at this time,” the airport said.

The earthquake shook the New York City area Friday morning, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The epicenter was in Tewksbury, N.J., with a depth just shy of 3 miles.

The New York City Fire Department said it had no reports of damage at the time. The quake was also felt in Philadelphia and Boston.

“My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) posted online.