A regional flight bound for Pittsburgh had to return to the Newark Airport runway shortly after departure Thursday morning due to a smoke condition in the aircraft, officials said.
The airplane, Republic Airlines flight 4890 operating as United Express, was evacuated and buses were called to pick up the passengers, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Republic Airlines said the plane, carrying 27 passengers and four flight crew members, landed safely. Maintenance crews were inspecting the aircraft and passengers were scheduled to board a different flight to Pittsburgh.
The runway was shut down and some delays were reported at the airport as authorities investigated.
