Two Air Canada pilots died after their flight from Montreal collided with a fire truck on the runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22, 2026. The airport shut down until at least 2 p.m. ET March 23, canceling all flights and diverting traffic to JFK and Newark. Nationwide flight disruptions are expected through March 24 as airlines reposition aircraft and crews.
Canadian travelers with LaGuardia bookings face immediate cancellations. The crash occurred post-landing — the aircraft had already touched down when it struck the Port Authority emergency vehicle.
A deadly collision between an Air Canada aircraft and an airport fire truck has closed LaGuardia Airport and triggered cascading flight disruptions across the United States. The incident occurred Sunday night after the Montreal-originating flight landed at LaGuardia, striking a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle on the runway.
Both pilots aboard the Air Canada flight were killed.
LaGuardia remains closed until at least 2 p.m. Eastern Time on March 23, with all inbound flights diverted to JFK and Newark airports. Travelers with bookings through LaGuardia — particularly Canadians on the Montreal-New York route — must rebook immediately as the closure ripples through East Coast operations.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation. Transport Canada is participating under bilateral aviation safety protocols.
Airport closure triggers regional congestion
LaGuardia’s shutdown has forced airlines to divert all traffic to JFK and Newark, creating immediate congestion at both airports. Security lines are longer, gate availability is constrained, and ground transportation is strained as thousands of passengers reroute through facilities already operating near capacity.
Air Canada passengers on the YUL-LGA route face automatic cancellations — the airline is rebooking travelers through alternative New York gateways or offering refunds under US Department of Transportation rules. Canadian officials say they are “searching for answers” as the investigation begins.
The disruption extends beyond New York. LaGuardia serves as a critical East Coast short-haul hub, and airlines must now reposition aircraft and crews nationwide to cover missed connections and canceled flights. Delays are expected to cascade through March 24 as the system rebalances.
| Airport | Status | Diversions | Expected reopening |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaGuardia (LGA) | Closed | All flights to JFK/EWR | 2 p.m. ET March 23 (earliest) |
| JFK | Congested | Absorbing LGA traffic | Operating |
| Newark (EWR) | Congested | Absorbing LGA traffic | Operating |
| Montreal (YUL) | Operating | YUL-LGA canceled | Operating |
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Investigation underway, regulatory review triggered
The Federal Aviation Administration certifies LaGuardia Airport operations and oversees runway safety standards under its Runway Incursion Prevention program. Air Canada holds FAA certification for international operations into the United States, while Transport Canada certifies the carrier domestically with annual audits.
For incidents involving Canadian carriers at US airports, the NTSB leads the investigation with FAA and Transport Canada participation under bilateral aviation safety agreements. The process includes deploying a go-team within 24 hours for preliminary findings — standard procedure for fatal ground incidents.
A full runway safety review has been triggered. No operational changes will occur until the NTSB go-team completes its initial assessment. The investigation will examine runway protocols, vehicle positioning, communication between tower and ground crews, and aircraft systems.
What to do
LaGuardia is closed and the Montreal-New York route is canceled — travelers with bookings must act now to minimize disruption.
- Check flight status immediately: Use the Air Canada app or FlightAware to confirm cancellations and diversions. The airline is rebooking passengers automatically, but proactive changes through aircanada.com/manage often secure better options.
- Rebook through JFK or Newark: Air Canada operates multiple daily frequencies to both airports from Montreal. JFK offers more international connections; Newark has shorter security wait times during peak periods.
- Request refunds if plans change: US DOT rules require airlines to refund canceled flights within 24 hours of notice. Air Canada is processing refunds for passengers who choose not to rebook.
- Monitor FAA NOTAMs: LaGuardia’s reopening timeline may shift based on investigation findings. Check faa.gov for updates on runway certification status.
- Avoid LaGuardia bookings through March 24: Even after the airport reopens, expect residual delays as airlines reposition aircraft and crews. Alternative New York gateways offer more reliable operations during this period.
FAQ
Will Air Canada resume Montreal-LaGuardia flights on March 23?
Not immediately. The airport is closed until at least 2 p.m. ET March 23, and Air Canada has canceled all YUL-LGA flights for the day. The airline is rebooking passengers through JFK and Newark. Monitor aircanada.com for schedule updates as the investigation progresses.
Am I entitled to compensation for the canceled flight?
US DOT rules require airlines to refund canceled flights, but airport closures due to safety incidents do not trigger additional compensation. Air Canada is offering rebooking or full refunds. Canadian passengers may have additional rights under Transport Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations depending on the final cause determination.
How long will LaGuardia disruptions affect other US airports?
Expect cascading delays through March 24 as airlines reposition aircraft and crews. East Coast short-haul routes are most affected — LaGuardia serves as a critical hub for regional connections. JFK and Newark congestion will ease once LaGuardia reopens and normal operations resume.
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