Water main break floods terminal, delays flights at New York's JFK Airport
A water main break flooded a baggage claim area at New York's JFK International Airport on Sunday afternoon, delaying international fights into Terminal 4 and soaking luggage.
Officials were forced to evacuate sections of the terminal, which is one of the major arrival points for international travelers.
New York's, JFK airport Terminal 4 has been evacuated due to flooding. It comes amid ongoing travel woes following last week's snow and frigid temperatures in North East coast of the U.S pic.twitter.com/cw4qrFILlE
— News_Executive (@News_Executive) January 7, 2018
According to ABC 7NY, the New York Fire Department is on the scene assisting with the water leak in the downstairs area of Terminal 4. ABC 7NY sources report flood was caused by a frozen standpipe main, a vertical pipe extending from a water supply. The leak led to more than 140 cancellations.
JFK International Airport's international arrivals have been suspended at Terminal 4, but international departures have not been affected. Officials announced travelers should expect even more delays because of the water main break.
A water main break at Terminal 4 at JFK Airport has led to a shutdown of international flights into the terminal. Passengers are urged to contact their airlines for specific flight information.
— Kennedy Airport (@JFKairport) January 7, 2018
The Port Authority says JFK's runways and taxiways are now fully operational, however frigid temperatures continue to cause slower-than-normal operations and equipment failures.
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Water main break adds insult to injury at weather-plagued #JFK airport. Cascades of water flooded customs hall in Terminal 4. Customs closed, planeloads of people stuck on flights that already landed. Other flights diverted elsewhere. #abc7ny pic.twitter.com/I5CUDEBPZ4
— Josh Einiger (@JoshEiniger7) January 7, 2018
The incident was one of many set-backs that added to an ongoing hectic recovery at the airport. The airport was faced with delays, staff shortages, stranded passengers, equipment breakdowns and a collision after a major winter storm.
Two passenger jets collided on the tarmac at John F. Kennedy airport early Saturday. Both planes were damaged, however no injuries were reported.
The main arrivals hall at JFK Terminal 4 right now pic.twitter.com/iU6CmGS4q5
— Donie O'Sullivan (@donie) January 7, 2018