A United Airlines passenger jet skidded off a runway at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday, shutting down service for the New Jersey transportation hub for hours, officials said.
Port Authority police, aircraft rescue firefighters and Emergency Service Unit teams were sent to the airport after reports that United Airlines flight 627 from Denver had veered off the runway at about 1 p.m.
A few of the plane’s 166 passengers suffered bumps and bruises but no one required medical attention, an airline spokesman said.
Flights in and out of the airport resumed by the afternoon but delays were expected.
The airport was immediately shut down. “Due to an airport emergency there are currently no arrivals nor departures from Newark Airport,” Newark Liberty tweeted. “Please check with your carrier before coming to the airport.”
A Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman said the plane landed on runway 22 “then skidded off the left side of the pavement," leaving the left main landing gear stuck in a grassy area.
A photo of the scene shared with The News shows the airplane stopped at an angle on the runway with its nose over a grassy median.
A spokesman from United said the plane “experienced multiple flat tires upon landing in Newark.”
“After landing, the aircraft became disabled which is currently affecting operations at Newark Airport,” the spokesman said.
Portable stairs were brought in to help passengers disembark and take them to a terminal.
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