An Air Canada flight was involved in a collision with a ground vehicle at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the airport’s closure and significant disruptions to air travel. The incident occurred on March 23, 2026, at approximately 11:38 PM local time, while an Air Canada Express regional jet was landing from Montreal.
The aircraft, a CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation, Air Canada’s regional partner, was traveling at a speed of 24 mph (39 km/h) at the time of the collision. Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for all departures to LaGuardia due to the emergency situation.
Emergency management authorities indicated that the airport was expected to remain closed until at least 05:30 GMT, and they warned of potential cancellations, road closures, and traffic delays in the vicinity of the airport. Unverified footage from the scene showed damage to the plane’s nose as it tilted upwards, raising concerns about the extent of the damage.
In response to the incident, New York’s emergency management authority advised travelers to “Use alternate routes.” This recommendation reflects the anticipated disruptions not only at the airport but also on surrounding roadways.
The FAA has indicated a high probability of an extension to the airport closure, which could further complicate travel plans for passengers. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of damage to both the aircraft and the ground vehicle involved in the collision.
Furthermore, the exact nature of the emergency that prompted the FAA’s ground stop has not been specified, leaving some uncertainties about the situation. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation into the incident progresses.
