Deadly Runway Collision At LaGuardia Set To Disrupt US Air Travel For Days

A fatal runway collision at LaGuardia Airport is expected to trigger widespread travel disruptions across the U.S. this week, after an Air Canada Express (OTC:ACDVF) jet struck an airport fire truck, killing two pilots and injuring dozens. Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the incident. FAA StatementAir Canada Express Flight 8646 struck an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle after landing on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport in New York. The accident occurred around 11:40 p.m. local time on Sunday, March 22. The CRJ-900 was arriving from Montreal. The FAA and…— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) March 23, 2026 The collision, involving Air Canada Express Flight 8646 operated by Jazz Aviation LP, occurred late Sunday after the aircraft landed from Montreal. The CRJ-900 jet struck a Port Authority fire truck on the runway, shearing off the plane's nose and overturning the emergency vehicle. According to the New York Times, both pilots were killed in the crash. Forty-one passengers and crew members were transported to nearby hospitals. In the immediate aftermath, the FAA issued a ground stop, halting all flights at LaGuardia until at least early afternoon Monday. Aviation analysts expect the shutdown to have cascading effects throughout the Northeast corridor and beyond, particularly as airlines work to reposition aircraft and crews. LaGuardia handles roughly 900 daily departures and arrivals. Timing Exacerbates An Already Fragile Travel Environment Airports nationwide have been grappling with long security lines and delays tied to a shortage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff during a partial government shutdown. While air traffic controllers remain funded, operational strain has been mounting across the system. New York City officials have urged travelers and commuters to avoid the area around LaGuardia, warning of continued road closures and congestion. The aircraft involved—a CRJ-900 designed by Bombardier Inc. (OTC:BDRBF)—is widely used for regional routes across North America. Jazz Aviation, a subsidiary of Chorus Aviation, operates about 400 daily flights and carries a significant share of Air Canada's regional passengers. This is a developing story. Image: Shutterstock