🔻Accidental cut of a fiber-optic cable during excavation operations for a construction project in New Jersey, the United States, has disrupted the operations of several international airports and grounded more than 100 flights in areas in the eastern United States. The timing of this disruption coincides with the United Nations General Assembly in New York and the travel of world leaders to the city for speeches there, drawing criticism.

Brian Bedford, an aviation official in the United States, said at a joint press conference with Sean Duffy, the country’s transportation minister, that an accidental cut to a fiber-optic cable during excavation work for a construction project caused a radar system to go offline that guides aircraft during takeoff and landing.

The widespread flight disruption is occurring on the eve of a busy period for New York City, where world leaders are scheduled to gather on Tuesday for the annual General Assembly meeting of the United Nations.

More than 130 officials from around the world are expected to attend the event, and it is not yet clear what impact this situation will have on the conditions for holding the meeting. Continuation from:

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