JFK Terminal 4 Evacuated Due to ‘Security Threat’

Amid one of the busiest travel weekends in the country, the largest terminal at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport experienced a “security incident” that prompted a partial evacuation. Chabad of the Airport continued to work outside.

Amid one of the busiest travel weekends in the country, the largest terminal at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport experienced a “security incident” that prompted a partial evacuation.

Passengers were cleared from the departures area of the terminal as officials investigated an unattended bag, a Port Authority spokesperson said.

Despite the unfolding chaos, Chabad of the Airport continued to work outside, putting on Tefillin with a number of Jewish passengers who now had extra time on their hands.

The first signs of a situation at the airport began surfacing shortly before 11 a.m. as passengers ushered out of Terminal 4 posted to social media.

The airport’s official Twittrer account posted: “PAPD is currently investigating a security incident in Terminal 4.

“Please expect traffic delays and allow extra time for travel. Thank you for your patience.”

Travelers posted images of crowds of people outside the terminal building, claiming that the complex had been evacuated.

Update 12:10 PM: After approximately half an hour, the terminal was reopened, and airport operations resumed.

“Earlier security incident has been cleared,” the airport tweeted. “Arrivals and departure level roadways at Terminal 4 have reopened. Please expect residual traffic delays and allow additional travel time.”