Earthquake could cause up to four-hour flight delays: Travel expert
- FAA issued a ground stop at several airports in response to earthquake
- Travel expert: Air traffic officials conducted a safety sweep of runways
- Ground stops have since been lifted, Greenberg warns of flight delays
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LEBANON, N.J. (NewsNation) — A 4.8 earthquake in Lebanon, New Jersey, on Friday morning caused a ground stop at several northeastern airports.
While the ground stops have since been lifted, NewsNation travel contributor Peter Greenberg said it’s likely the ripple effects of delays will be felt throughout the day.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop at John F. Kennedy National Airport until 11:30 a.m. ET. The ground stop gave crews time to check the runway, but was likely to cause 2-4 hour delays throughout the day, Greenberg said on “NewsNation Live.”
Other airports that issued ground stops include Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland.
The FAA also warned the earthquake might impact additional air traffic at other facilities in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Greenberg said that air traffic officials were conducting full runway sweeps of airports in the area to make sure there were no cracks, buckling or anything that could impair a safe takeoff or landing. They will also check electrical connections alongside ground and air traffic control radars, he said.
“You can expect anywhere from two to four-hour delays because a ground stop means the planes that were there can’t move and the planes that were coming in had to be diverted,” Greenberg said.
He said the main problem will be for travelers who have flights scheduled to leave Friday, explaining that they will be delayed.
“There’s no double about it,” Greenberg said.
