LaGuardia Airport in New York City is to remain closed until at least the early afternoon following a runway collision on Sunday night that left two dead and around 40 injured.
The pilot and co-pilot died after an Air Canada Express plane from Montreal collided with a fire engine shortly after landing at the airport at about 11.40pm on 22 March. Around 40 people, including passengers, a Port Authority sergeant and an officer, were taken to hospital.
Initially, arriving flights were diverted to other airports or returned to their departure point. Later, all flights were cancelled.
LaGuardia will be closed until at least 2pm local time (6pm GMT) while an investigation is carried out, Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said.
More than 400 flights have been cancelled so far. A small number of flights scheduled to depart on Monday morning were listed as delayed, rather than cancelled on the LaGuardia website.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said: “At approximately 11.40pm on Sunday, a Jazz Aviation flight operating on behalf of Air Canada was involved in an incident on Runway 4 at LaGuardia airport in which the aircraft struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle that was responding to a separate incident.”
The public has been warned to expect road closures, traffic delays, and emergency personnel near the airport.
Air Canada has issued an update saying 72 passengers and four crew were on board.
It said: “A Jazz Aviation Mitsubishi CRJ-900 was involved in an accident upon landing at New York LaGuardia on March 22, 2026.
“Flight AC8646, operated by Air Canada Express carrier Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz), originated from Montréal. The preliminary passenger list indicates the airplane was carrying approximately 72 passengers and four crew members, although this is subject to confirmation. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 pm.
“The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that the pilot and the first officer were killed in this accident. We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Jazz employees, and our deepest condolences go out to the entire Jazz community and their families.
“Air Canada cannot confirm the exact number of injuries or if there are other fatalities at this time.
“Emergency services are on site taking care of injured passengers, and some have been transported to local hospitals.”
It added: “Air Canada and Jazz Aviation teams are preparing to make their way to the site and details will be provided through additional statements as soon as possible.
“Air Canada and Jazz Aviation are cooperating with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States in the investigation of the cause of this incident.
“Family and friends who need information about passengers on Air Canada Express flight AC8646 may telephone Air Canada at 1-800-961-7099.”
