Newark flights halted after control tower evacuated

The Federal Aviation Administration halted all arrivals and departures at Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday after air traffic controllers evacuated the tower due to a burning smell from an elevator. The evacuation forced a temporary suspension of flight operations at one of the busiest airports in the New York metropolitan area. FAA officials did not immediately specify how long the pause would remain in effect or whether the burning smell indicated a mechanical malfunction or other equipment issue. Delays and cancellations typically cascade across the Northeast when a major hub like Newark goes offline, affecting connecting passengers nationwide. The FAA statement did not indicate whether the tower had since been cleared for reoccupancy or operations resumption.