Topline
A JetBlue flight traveling from Mexico to New Jersey was forced to make an emergency landing in New Jersey on Thursday, according to multiple outlets, conducting the maneuver after a control issue left some passengers injured.
Key Facts
At least three passengers were injured with lacerations, according to ABC News, which cited communications between pilots and air traffic controllers that attributed the injuries to a flight control issue.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident involving an Airbus A320, a single-aisle, twin-engine jet that typically carries around 150 passengers.
Some passengers were taken to local hospitals after medical officials checked passengers and crew, according to the Associated Press.
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Key Background
Airline accidents have been watched closely this year amid a shortage in air traffic controllers, an issue that was greatly scrutinized after a collision between a commercial airplane and a military helicopter killed 67 people near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January. The ongoing government shutdown has created further concern around the shortage and its impact on flight safety and efficiency, as air traffic controllers work without pay and increasingly call in sick. Staffing shortages have caused significant disruptions at several airports this week. A ground stop was issued at Newark Liberty International Airport on Thursday, a day after air traffic controllers missed their first full paycheck. Some 6,100 flights were delayed Thursday, according to FlightAware, as staffing alerts indicating personnel shortages were made at eight FAA control facilities.
Further Reading
Air Traffic Staffing Issues Amid Shutdown Cause Ground Stop At Newark (Forbes)