Quantcast

Escalator fire causes mass evacuation at JFK Terminal 8

Escalator fire causes mass evacuation at JFK Terminal 8
Research
Webp txr36ytg6uuvd13i8xrjnuempd4m
Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

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

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025