Construction error severs backup cable, triggering major US East Coast flight delays
Hundreds of flights were delayed across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts on Monday after construction workers accidentally cut a telecommunications cable. The severed line, identified as a backup network, impacted the Terminal Radar Approach Control system used for guiding aircraft during takeoff and landing. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the cable was repaired and operations resumed in the evening, though lingering delays were expected. The disruption occurred just before the UN General Assembly in New York City, where world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, were scheduled to arrive. Newark Liberty International Airport was the most heavily affected hub, with 267 departing and 257 arriving flights delayed. While Duffy initially attributed the damage to Amtrak workers, NJ Transit later stated its own crews were responsible due to misplaced markers at the digging site. Verizon, the cable owner, stated it bore no responsibility for the incident.
