Air Traffic Control Tower Evacuation Prompts Ground Stop at Newark Airport

A ground stop was briefly issued for Newark Liberty International Airport after an air traffic control tower was evacuated due to reports of smoke on Monday morning.

The Federal Aviation Administration's announcement came just hours after a fatal runway collision involving an Air Canada plane and a fire truck across town at New York City's LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night.

"Arrivals and departures are temporarily paused at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after air traffic controllers evacuated the tower because of a burning smell coming from an elevator," the FAA confirmed. "It happened around 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, March 23."

The evacuation was reportedly in response to a burning smell coming from an elevator.

Travelers flying into and out of the city should anticipate disruptions in the wake of both events and check their flight status with their airline before arriving at the airport.

The ongoing partial government shutdown is also creating headaches at security checkpoints nationwide, so travelers should give themselves some extra time to board their flight. 

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