LaGuardia Airport Shuts Down After Deadly Plane Crash

NYC Fliers Already Facing TSA Chaos as Airport Closes for Investigation

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:53am

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A deadly plane crash at LaGuardia Airport in New York City has forced the major travel hub to close until at least 2 p.m. on Monday. The crash, which killed two pilots and left 41 others hospitalized, occurred as travelers were already facing long security lines and delays at the city's airports due to a funding crisis with the Transportation Security Administration.

Why it matters

The closure of LaGuardia Airport will cause significant disruptions to air travel in and out of New York City, one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the United States. This incident comes at a time when the city's airports are already struggling with staffing shortages and funding issues, leading to widespread delays and frustration for passengers.

The details

An Air Canada regional jet from Montreal crashed into a rescue truck on the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport around 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, killing the two pilots and injuring 41 others, some seriously. The airport has been shut down for a thorough investigation into the incident, with main roads leading to the airport also initially closed.

  • The crash occurred just before midnight on Sunday, March 23, 2026.
  • The airport will be closed until at least 2 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2026.

The players

LaGuardia Airport

A major airport serving New York City, located in the borough of Queens.

Air Canada

A major Canadian airline that operates the regional jet involved in the crash.

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What’s next

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board will be conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, which could take several days or weeks to complete.

The takeaway

This tragic incident at LaGuardia Airport highlights the ongoing challenges facing the aviation industry, including staffing shortages, funding issues, and the need for continued safety improvements to prevent such accidents in the future. The closure of this major transportation hub will have widespread impacts on air travel in the New York City region.