JetBlue Flight 543 returned to Newark Liberty International Airport for an emergency landing on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The Airbus A320 was bound for Palm Beach, Florida, when the crew reported a mechanical engine issue. Pilots subsequently detected smoke in the cockpit, prompting an immediate return to Newark.
Passengers evacuated the aircraft via emergency slides following a safe landing. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary ground stop at the airport in response to the incident. This measure caused significant delays for both departing and arriving flights throughout the evening.
No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. Normal airport operations resumed later that night after crews removed the aircraft from the runway. JetBlue is currently investigating the cause of the engine failure and smoke.