New York’s LaGuardia Airport reopened Monday afternoon after a fatal runway crash closed the busy airport for several hours and disrupted hundreds of flights. The accident occurred late Sunday night, killing the two pilots on board the plane and injuring dozens of passengers and crew.The collision involved an Air Canada Express regional jet arriving from Montreal and a Port Authority fire truck that was crossing the runway to respond to a separate incident. The plane was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members at the time.Officials say the accident occurred around 11.40pm on March 22 when the plane was landing on a runway at LaGuardia Airport. The plane collided with the emergency vehicle, killing the pilot and his co-pilot.
More than 40 people, including two firefighters, were taken to hospital for their injuries. Most of those infected have since been discharged from care, although some have remained in hospital for further treatment.In response to the accident, the airport was completely closed until approximately 2.00pm on 23 March to allow investigators and emergency crews to work at the scene and assess the runway before reopening. The closure led to more than 600 flight cancellations and delays for travelers throughout New York and the surrounding area.
Have flight operations resumed?
With the runway now open, limited flight operations have resumed. Passengers are being warned to expect continued delays and disruptions as airlines work to manage backlogs caused by the incident and closing hours. Some flights have been diverted to other nearby airports, and travelers are advised to check with their airline for the latest information on schedules and potential changes.Federal and national safety authorities continue to conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the collision.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation, which will examine factors such as communication between air traffic control and emergency vehicles, runway procedures, and aircraft operations at the time of the accident.Officials also said that even with one runway reopened, LaGuardia Airport’s capacity will be reduced until the full investigation is completed.
This could mean further adjustments to flight schedules and continued passenger delays in the coming days.The accident drew attention to safety protocols for crossing the runway and coordination between ground vehicles and incoming flights. Investigators will evaluate whether standard procedures were followed and whether any changes are needed to prevent future accidents.
