Mayor, U.S. Officials Brief on Air Canada Collision

Authorities provide updates on fatal crash at LaGuardia Airport

Mar. 24, 2026 at 9:10am

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Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and other officials held a press conference to provide details on a fatal collision between an Air Canada flight and a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle at LaGuardia Airport. The mayor expressed condolences to the families of the two pilots killed in the crash, praised the first responders' professionalism, and said the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the accident.

Why it matters

This is the first fatal crash at LaGuardia Airport in over 30 years, shaking New Yorkers and raising concerns about airport safety. The investigation into the cause of the collision will be closely watched, as it could uncover issues with airport operations, aircraft maintenance, or other factors that contributed to the tragedy.

The details

According to officials, a Jazz Aviation flight operating on behalf of Air Canada struck a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle on runway four at LaGuardia Airport late last night. Both pilots of the Air Canada flight were killed in the crash. First responders from the NYPD, FDNY, and NYCEM arrived quickly, treated injuries, and helped passengers evacuate the plane. LaGuardia Airport was closed until 2 p.m. today as the investigation into the accident began.

  • The collision occurred late last night.
  • LaGuardia Airport was closed until 2 p.m. today.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who held a press conference to provide updates on the Air Canada collision.

Jazz Aviation

The airline operating the flight on behalf of Air Canada that was involved in the collision.

Port Authority

The agency that operates LaGuardia Airport and whose aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle was struck by the Air Canada flight.

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What they’re saying

“I want to begin by echoing the words that have been shared before me, and also by thanking our partners in city, state, and federal government who are here today.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor

“I also want to commend those who were thrust into a frightening accident and reacted not only with composure, but by extending a hand to the person next to them. Passengers who opened the emergency door and helped one another off the plane, people who kept one another calm.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the accident, and officials have said they will not rest until the conclusion of that investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic collision at LaGuardia Airport, the first fatal crash there in over 30 years, has shaken the city and raised concerns about airport safety. The investigation into the cause will be closely watched, as it could uncover issues that need to be addressed to prevent similar accidents in the future.