The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced it will launch an investigation into the water pipe break that occurred at John F. Kennedy Airport this afternoon. The incident significantly disrupted operations at Terminal 4, a privately run terminal. The PANYNJ has deployed additional staffing and busing operations to assist travelers and get them where they need to go as quickly as possible.
“What happened at JFK Airport is unacceptable, and travelers expect and deserve better,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “While the water pipe break that occurred appears to be weather-related, we have launched an investigation into the incident to determine exactly what occurred and why an internal pipe was not weather protected and whether any other failures contributed to this disruption. The Port Authority is committed to providing the highest caliber of service to all travelers and we will hold those responsible accountable for any shortcomings we find.”
At approximately 2 p.m., a water pipe that feeds the terminal’s sprinkler system broke in the privately operated Terminal 4. After water from the broken pipe began flooding the terminal, power to the affected areas of the terminal was shut off for safety reasons. The Port Authority worked with the affected airlines to ensure that children and people with disabilities were de-boarded from planes.
Currently, domestic arrivals and departures from Terminal 4 are still operating but with delays. International departures are still in operation, but with delays. In terms of international arrivals, there were seven international flights at the gate and those passengers have already been deplaned and are being processed through customs. Some international flights destined for Terminal 4 will be diverted or accommodated at other JFK terminals.
