New York’s LaGuardia Airport shuts down temporarily after Air Canada Express plane hits ground vehicle; what travellers should know

In a major aviation update, New York’s LaGuardia Airport was shut down after an Air Canada Express plane hit the ground fire vehicle while landing. The incident disrupted travel across one of the United States’ busiest hubs. The incident forced a temporary shutdown and multiple flight disruptions.What happened As per Reuters report, the incident took place on the night of March 22, 2026. An Air Canada Express Bombardier CRJ-900 domestic jet carrying over 70 passengers and crew from Montreal hit a Port Authority emergency vehicle on Runway 4. As per preliminary data, the aircraft was travelling at approximately 24 mph (39 km/h). It collided with a vehicle on the ground injuring some four people. The pictures and videos circulating online show damage to the aircraft’s nose. No major injuries have been reported so far officially. Following the collision, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an immediate ground stop and all arrivals and departures at LaGuardia Airport were paused. It was done for the emergency response teams to perform their task. The operations are expected to gradually resume after runway clearance and security checks at LaGuardia Airport. What travellers should know: Several flights remain diverted or cancelledThe incident has affected thousands of travellersAt least 18 flights were either diverted to nearby airports or returned to their originTravellers should remain updated Check with airlines for latest flight scheduleAllow extra time for extra security measuresMeanwhile, a formal investigation has been launched by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). About LaGuardia Airport in New YorkAs per reports, LaGuardia Airport is among the busiest aviation hubs in the USA serving more than 30 million passengers every year. The incident highlights safety challenges in high-traffic airports, such as LaGuardia Airport.