Escalator fire causes mass evacuation at JFK Terminal 8

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Escalator fire causes mass evacuation at JFK Terminal 8

Research

Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

By Sky Industry News

Jul 24, 2024

The American Airlines Terminal 8 at New York JFK was evacuated around 7 a.m. this morning after an escalator caught fire in Concourse C, causing smoke to fill the terminal. Nearly 1,000 people were moved and departing flights were halted, though about 75 minutes later normal operations resumed. Four people were hospitalized out of nine with minor injuries, none of which appeared life-threatening.

Reported fire at JFK terminal 8, whole terminal filled with smoke and evacuation with no explanation. pic.twitter.com/imCC74K3ow

— Blank User (@BlankUser685806) July 24, 2024

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Fire at JFK this morning. Trying to get more details. Photos from @Bisnow employee at Terminal 8. pic.twitter.com/Z2lmAFWSXS

— Mark F. Bonner (@markfbonner) July 24, 2024

Fire at JFK airport- Terminal 8 pic.twitter.com/xlumAQpyk7

— Conceptions Events (@ConceptEventsNJ) July 24, 2024

Emergency services still on scene at #JFK Terminal 8 after an escalator fire just before 8 this morning. According to Port Authority nearly 1,000 flyers were evacuated and busses to other parts of the terminal. Four people taken to the hospital with minor injuries. @NY1pic.twitter.com/i9NeXBinuT

— Alyssa Paolicelli (@APaolicelli17) July 24, 2024

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fortunately, American Airlines underutilizes the terminal, especially during the day, and without a clear New York strategy takes advantage of FAA slot waivers granted due to understaffed air traffic control. If American were competing aggressively in New York more people would have been at risk.