JFK poorly maintained electrical system

Sources working at JFK airport say the massive electrical system is so corroded by years of storms and poor maintenance that they fear a major meltdown.

From above the airport lights look like they are in top condition with thousands of lights guiding in the planes every day. But below ground it is a different story with years of neglect having an effect on the electrical system.

Videos shows signs of disrepair everywhere from cables overheating underground, to main taxi-ways that are pitch black for long stretches. Not just one, but two key taxiways still open with serious outages.

The Director for Port Authority Airports blames the salt water from Storm Sandy 16 months ago for the airport's current electrical problems, but he insists the taxiways and runways are operating safely.

"We wouldn't do it if it wasn't safe. Not ideal and you're right it is a serious problem and that's why we're working 24/7 to correct it," he adds.

Former commercial airline pilot Bob Ober who built a career landing big airplanes at JFK says out of service lights can disorient pilots.

In a recent FAA inspection, JFK got hit with 10 citations for safety deficiencies, half of those for lighting maintenance. More than LaGuardia and Newark combined.v