An Air Canada flight collided with a ground vehicle at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late on March 23, 2026, leading to the airport’s immediate closure and significant travel disruptions.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:38 PM local time as an Air Canada Express regional jet, a CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation, was landing from Montreal. The aircraft was reportedly traveling at a speed of 24 mph (39 km/h) at the time of the collision.
In response to the emergency, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for all departures to LaGuardia. Authorities expect the airport to remain closed until at least 05:30 GMT, with the possibility of an extension due to the ongoing situation.
Emergency management authorities have warned travelers of potential cancellations, road closures, and traffic delays in the vicinity of the airport. “Use alternate routes,” advised the New York emergency management authority.
Unverified footage from the scene showed visible damage to the plane’s nose as it tilted upwards following the collision. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of damage to both the aircraft and the ground vehicle involved.
The FAA has not specified the exact nature of the emergency that prompted the ground stop, leaving many questions unanswered as the situation develops.
As of now, travelers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and to prepare for extended delays. The incident marks a significant disruption at one of the busiest airports in the United States, highlighting the ongoing challenges in aviation safety and operations.