# Verizon cable cut disrupts hundreds of flights

> A construction crew in New Jersey accidentally severed a Verizon fiber line, knocking out backup systems for air traffic controllers across the New York and Philadelphia region.
- Title: Verizon cable cut disrupts hundreds of flights · CNBC
- Summary: A construction crew in New Jersey accidentally severed a Verizon fiber line, knocking out backup systems for air traffic controllers across the New York and…
- Keywords: verizon, newark airport, philadelphia airport, new york airports, faa, air traffic control, flight disruptions, nj transit, united airlines, american airlines, business, finance
- Source: CNBC — https://cnbc.com/2026/09/21/newark-philadelphia-nyc-flight-disruptions.html
- Author: Leslie Josephs
- Published: 2026-09-21T17:06:20+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: verizon, newark airport, philadelphia airport, new york airports, faa, air traffic control, flight disruptions, nj transit, united airlines, american airlines, business, finance
## Cable cut halts New York area flights
A construction crew working on a rail project between New Brunswick and North Brunswick, New Jersey, accidentally severed a Verizon fiber-optic cable, disabling backup systems for air traffic controllers.
## Hundreds of flights canceled and delayed
More than six hundred flights in and out of Newark were canceled by six pm, more than half the day's schedule. More than two hundred Philadelphia flights were canceled and more than four hundred delayed.
## Nearly one hundred planes diverted
The Federal Aviation Administration halted flights to Newark and Philadelphia and forced nearly one hundred planes, some after hourslong trips from Europe, to divert to other U.S. airports.
## How the backup system failed
An initial circuit failure triggered a switch to backup systems. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said when it went to flip into the backup, they discovered the backup fiber had a break.

> when it went to flip into the backup, we discovered the backup fiber had a break
## Verizon blames construction crew
Verizon said construction contractors working in the area dug up and cut its cable. The company stated Verizon's facilities were fully functional and Verizon bears no responsibility for the incident.

> Verizon bears no responsibility for this incident
## Airlines waive fees for affected travelers
United Airlines and American Airlines waived flight change fees for travelers affected by the disruption. United offered extra pay to staff members picking up trips at Newark.
## Flights resume after repairs
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said late Monday that flights were resuming into the New York area after repairs to the line. Residual delays continued at LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
## Incident highlights aging infrastructure
Duffy said the incident underscores the need for additional funding to modernize aging infrastructure and prevent disruptions like this in the future. The Trump administration announced a multibillion-dollar overhaul last year.

> This incident underscores the need for additional funding to modernize aging infrastructure and prevent disruptions like this in the future
## Key takeaway

A severed Verizon fiber cable in New Jersey disabled backup air traffic control systems, forcing the FAA to halt and divert hundreds of flights from Newark, Philadelphia and New York airports on Monday.