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JFK Airport’s Terminal 1 back open after power outage caused disruption

Feb. 20, 2023
3 min read
Air France NEOS ITA JFK
JFK Airport’s Terminal 1 back open after power outage caused disruption
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Editor's Note

This post was updated with new information.

New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is fully operational again after Terminal 1 closed last Thursday following a power outage.

While a limited number of flight operations could resume Saturday, full service at the terminal did not resume until Sunday.

Terminal 1 caters to around 5% of all JFK's scheduled passenger flights; this includes services by Air France, China Eastern, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Norse Atlantic Airways and Swiss.

The trouble at one of the U.S.’s busiest airports began Feb. 16 — the result of an electrical panel failure.

The failure not only caused the power outage but also sparked a “small isolated fire overnight that was immediately extinguished,” according to the statement.

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Following the incident, the airport released a Twitter statement: “JFK Terminal 1 will remain closed on 2/17 due to electrical issues as the Port Authority continues working with the terminal’s operator to restore flight operations as quickly as possible. Travelers should check with their carriers for flight status before coming to the airport.”

TWITTER

Terminal 1’s “ability to accept inbound and outbound flights” was affected, with some flights redirected to other JFK terminals.

Some flights were redirected to other U.S. airports along the East Coast, and some were forced to take a U-turn midair back to their original airport. At least 39 flights were canceled Friday, according to Reuters.

Among them were a Korean Air flight from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) and an ITA Airways flight to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) — both of which had been in the air for several hours.

The unfortunate route taken by an Air New Zealand flight to JFK on Thursday. FLIGHT RADAR 24

Unluckiest of all, though, was Air New Zealand Flight ANZ2 from Auckland Airport (AKL) to JFK.

Its passengers made it a good way across the Pacific Ocean before their flight turned back to AKL. They ultimately spent a fruitless 16 hours in the air, and the epic about-face was captured by Flightradar24.

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Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
  • The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
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  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
  • American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
  • Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees