Deadly LaGuardia Crash Causes Airport Delays

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A deadly collision between an Air Canada Express aircraft and a ground vehicle at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Monday has led to the temporary shutdown of all airport operations and hundreds of flight cancellations. One of the airport's two runways has since reopened, but the incident has exacerbated an already chaotic situation for air travelers due to the partial government shutdown's impact on TSA staffing.

Why it matters

The LaGuardia crash highlights the ongoing challenges facing the aviation industry, including staffing shortages, infrastructure issues, and the need for improved safety protocols. The incident comes at a time when air travel demand remains high, putting further strain on an already strained system.

The details

According to authorities, the Air Canada Express aircraft struck a ground vehicle upon landing, killing the plane's two pilots and injuring dozens of others. The airport was temporarily shut down, and control tower audio suggests a controller may have been distracted by another incident at the time of the collision. The partial reopening of one runway has allowed some flights to resume, but hundreds of cancellations have already occurred.

• The incident occurred on Monday, March 24, 2026.
• LaGuardia Airport reopened one of its two runways on Monday afternoon, hours after the crash.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision and the potential role of air traffic control in the incident. The airport is working to fully restore operations and accommodate the backlog of travelers.