At airports in the Eastern United States imposed restrictions due to fiber

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended departures and landings at major airports in the northeastern United States — in New York, Philadelphia and Boston. The FAA explained the decision by breaking fiber optic cable at a construction site in New Jersey, reports Reuters.

FAA chief Brian Bedford told reporters that a backup fiber optic cable was accidentally cut by a construction team in New Jersey. Due to the incident, many flights were diverted to other airports. Mr Bedford said it would take about 13 hours to repair the cable. To resume flights in normal mode, it is necessary to turn off all systems - "disinfect the airspace" - and make sure that all flights are safe, the head of the FAA added.

An FAA spokesman told the BBC the issue affected the approach control system using terminal radar. It is used to guide aircraft during takeoff and landing.

Major U.S. airports have begun warning passengers about possible flight delays. Boston Logan International Airport said flight delays were occurring across the country.

The incident comes as world leaders and ministers fly to New York for the annual high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. It will be held from 22 to 28 September.