Air Canada Flight Strikes Vehicle at LaGuardia, Airport Closed
New York’s LaGuardia Airport was temporarily closed Monday following a collision between an Air Canada Express flight and a Port Authority vehicle, disrupting travel plans for thousands. The incident, involving flight 8646 arriving from Montreal, occurred at approximately 11:40 PM Sunday evening, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The Air Canada Express CRJ-900, operated by Jazz Aviation, struck a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle on Runway 4. The FAA issued a ground stop for all departures from LaGuardia, initially estimating a closure until 5:30 GMT, but later extending the potential shutdown to 18:00 GMT. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates the aircraft was traveling at around 24 mph (39 km/h) at the time of impact.
While the exact circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation, the incident highlights the inherent complexities of airport operations, even during routine landings. LaGuardia’s website indicated that arriving flights were being diverted to other New York-area airports or returning to their origin points. New York’s emergency management authority warned residents to anticipate cancellations, road closures, traffic delays and the presence of emergency personnel near the airport.
Initial reports from the New York City Fire Department indicate they responded to a report of a plane colliding with a vehicle on the runway. The New York Police Department confirmed the collision but offered limited additional details. Unverified footage circulating on social media depicts damage to the front of the Air Canada aircraft, though Reuters has not independently verified the authenticity of the images.
The incident comes at a time when air travel is steadily increasing, placing greater strain on airport infrastructure and personnel. While specific details regarding the cause of the collision are still emerging, the event underscores the critical importance of robust safety protocols and communication between air traffic control, airlines, and ground crews. The FAA and the Port Authority are expected to conduct thorough investigations to determine the root cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Air Canada Express confirmed the accident in a statement, noting a preliminary passenger list indicated 72 passengers and four crew members were on board. No immediate reports of injuries have been released. Passengers and airlines are advised to check with Air Canada and LaGuardia Airport for updates on flight schedules and potential disruptions. The extended closure of LaGuardia is likely to create ripple effects throughout the regional air travel network, and travelers should anticipate delays and cancellations throughout the day.