The recent collision involving an Air Canada flight at New York’s LaGuardia airport has led to significant disruptions, including the airport’s closure. The incident occurred on March 23, 2026, at approximately 11:38 PM local time when an Air Canada Express regional jet, a CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation, was landing from Montreal.
The aircraft, traveling at a speed of 24 mph (39 km/h) at the time of the collision, struck a ground vehicle, prompting immediate emergency responses from the Port Authority, New York police department, and New York City Fire Department. In light of the emergency, the FAA issued a ground stop for all departures to LaGuardia, indicating a serious situation.
Authorities have warned travelers to expect cancellations, road closures, and traffic delays in the vicinity of the airport. The FAA has also indicated a high probability of an extension of the airport closure, which is expected to last until at least 05:30 GMT.
Unverified footage from the scene shows damage to the plane’s nose, which was tilted upwards following the collision. The exact nature of the emergency that led to the FAA’s ground stop remains unspecified, leaving many details about the incident unconfirmed.
New York’s emergency management authority has advised the public to “Use alternate routes,” as the situation continues to develop. The impact of this incident on air travel in the region could be substantial, with ripple effects likely felt across multiple airlines and travelers.
As investigations proceed, the focus will be on understanding the full scope of the damage to both the aircraft and the ground vehicle involved. Further updates are anticipated as authorities gather more information.