An incident occurred at New York’s LaGuardia Airport involving an Air Canada Express regional jet. The aircraft, a CRJ-900, was arriving from Montreal when it collided with a ground vehicle while landing. This incident took place on March 23, 2026, leading to the immediate closure of the airport.
Details of the Incident
The collision happened on a Sunday evening at approximately 24 mph (39 km/h). The aircraft was operated by Jazz Aviation, a regional partner of Air Canada. The New York Fire Department quickly responded to the scene, although they did not disclose additional information.
Impact on Airport Operations
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforced a ground stop for all departures to LaGuardia.
- The airport closure was effective until 05:30 GMT the following day, with a high probability of extension.
- Arriving flights were diverted to other airports or sent back to their original locations.
Unverified footage circulating on social media depicted damage to the plane, specifically to its nose, as it tilted upwards after the impact. However, this footage has not yet been independently verified by agencies such as Reuters.
Looking Ahead
As the situation unfolded, the FAA issued a notice to pilots indicating the possibility of the airport remaining closed until 18:00 GMT. This incident raises concerns about air traffic safety and the protocols in place at busy airports like LaGuardia.
The incident at LaGuardia highlights the ongoing need for stringent safety measures and the importance of swift emergency responses in aviation.
