LaGuardia Airport closes runway over 2-inch pavement depression found
Sinkhole at LaGuardia Airport causes runway closure during busy holiday travel
Todd Piro reports a significant pothole at LaGuardia Airport causing runway closures and major travel disruptions. The incident caused 24 cancellations and 17 delays, impacting thousands of people’s Memorial Day weekend travel plans. Emergency crews are working to repair the runway, but the cause of the incident is still under investigation, adding to the airport’s recent operational difficulties.
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LaGuardia Airport temporarily closed one of its two main runways Wednesday after inspectors discovered a pavement “collapse” near the airstrip; This marks the second time in less than a month that the New York City airport has suspended operations on the runway due to pavement concerns.
The depression, about 5 inches deep, was located adjacent to Runway 4/22, one of LaGuardia’s two main runways, airport officials said.
“During an airport inspection at LaGuardia Airport, an approximately two-inch depression was detected adjacent to Runway 4/22,” the airport said in a statement.
While the airport said the closure was done proactively and “out of an abundance of caution,” it emphasized that the issue did not pose an “immediate safety concern.”
LA GUARDIA AIRPORT KITTER HAS BEEN CLOSED AFTER A SHOW DISCOVERED DURING ROUTINE MORNING INSPECTIONS
Planes are seen on the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York, New York, on March 28, 2026. (Ryan Murphy/Getty Images)
Arrivals at LaGuardia are currently delayed by an average of 48 minutes, but are decreasing, according to FlightAware flight tracking data. ABC 7 had previously reported 174 delays as of early Wednesday, citing the platform.
Runway 4/22 is scheduled to close at 5 p.m. and is expected to remain closed until Thursday morning as repair crews work through the night to conduct additional testing, determine the cause of the problem and perform any necessary stabilization work.
“Our goal is to complete the assessment and necessary repair work overnight and return the runway to service as soon as it is safe,” the airport said in a statement.
AIR CANADA PASSENGER SAYS THE PILOT ‘DID THE BEST THING HE COULD’ AND EXPLAINED THE FATAL IMPACT
An airplane taxis on the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York, New York, on March 28, 2026. (Ryan Murphy/Getty Images)
During the closure, operations will be shifted to LaGuardia’s remaining main runway, 13/31, beginning at 5 p.m. and are expected to continue until repairs are completed.
LaGuardia said passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for flight status.
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Crews surround a pothole discovered near the runway at LaGuardia Airport. (WNYW)
The incident marks the second in less than a month to require emergency engineering work on the same section of pavement.
The track was previously closed following a dent around the Memorial Day travel rush.
Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
