Sinkhole on a runway causes travel delays at LaGuardia
May 21 (UPI) -- A sinkhole on the runway discovered at LaGuardia Airport is causing travel delays and cancellations on Thursday.
Runway 4/22 at the New York airport was still closed as of Thursday morning, leaving LaGuardia with only one runway in use.
The sinkhole was discovered at around 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday during a morning daily inspection by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The runway was immediately closed.
"The Port Authority is in close communication with airlines and airport partners and will continue providing updates as conditions evolve," LaGuardia Airport said on X.
"Travelers should expect delays and cancellations, particularly with forecast thunderstorms expected later today, and are strongly encouraged to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight status information," the airport said.
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey have multiple runways to use if one becomes unavailable, but LaGuardia only has two. For now, all air traffic now has to take off and land on Runway 13/31.
LaGuardia said engineering crews are at the runway to find the cause, and repairs will be made "as quickly and safely as possible." Construction vehicles have been spotted at the scene.
The upcoming Memorial Day weekend complicates the airport's schedule. Those traveling through LaGuardia should check with their airlines for flight statuses and updates, the airport said.
Just two months ago, a fire truck collided with an Air Canada plane at LaGuardia, causing two deaths.
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 6:07 AM.