Plane Evacuated After Smoke Smell Detected at Newark Airport

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, a United Express flight operated by Republic Airways had to return to Newark Liberty International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a smell of smoke. 

The plane, Flight 3439, was on its way to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport when the crew noticed something unusual.

The flight took off around 4:30 p.m. but returned about 30 minutes later after the crew detected the smell of something burning in the cockpit. 

The aircraft, an Embraer E170, landed safely and taxied to a ramp where the crew evacuated all passengers as a safety precaution.

Passengers and crew were safely taken to Terminal C by bus. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Republic Airways is working to rebook passengers on new flights to get them to Detroit as soon as possible.

During the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily paused other flights at the airport. By 6 p.m., air traffic resumed, and flight operations returned to normal.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the smoke smell, but safety remains the top priority for the airline.