JFK Terminal 8 hit by power outage, but airport operational

Kennedy Airport’s Terminal 8, run by American Airlines, lost power for escalators and elevators for several hours Tuesday due to a malfunctioning transformer. But flights were able to arrive and depart, the airline said.

The airport’s other terminals were unaffected, said a spokeswoman for the Port Authority, Cheryl Albiez.

American Airlines’ baggage-screening system, which was its top priority, returned to service in the evening, Ross Feinstein, an airline spokesman, said.

Because some escalators and elevators were knocked out of service, the airline had to ferry passengers around the terminal. That service was expected to continue until full power was restored late Tuesday night, he said.

The longest delay caused by the outage was 79 minutes, Feinstein said.

FlightAware, an internet flight tracking service, said thunderstorms also delayed flights at Kennedy.

“Most of the delays actually have been related to weather,” Feinstein said. A total of 17 flights were canceled.

Feinstein said American Airlines will continue to offer waivers on Wednesday to passengers who might prefer to fly to other regional airports.

The airline has said customers will not be charged fees to change their travel plans. To do so, passengers should check the aa.com website or call 800-433-7300.