New York’s LaGuardia Airport was closed on Monday, March 23, 2026, following a deadly runway collision late Sunday night that shocked travelers across the country. An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 at approximately 11:45 p.m., killing both pilots and injuring dozens of passengers and crew. If you have a flight through LaGuardia today or in the coming days, here is everything you need to know — including your best ground transportation alternatives to JFK and Newark airports.
What Happened at LaGuardia Airport?
Air Canada Express Flight 8646, operated by Jazz Aviation and arriving from Montreal, Canada, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members when it struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting truck on the runway during landing. The collision happened at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Both pilots — identified as Captain Antoine Forest from Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther — were killed in the crash. The collision crushed the cockpit of the regional jet upon impact. A passenger who survived the crash said the pilots had attempted to brake aggressively in the final moments to protect those on board.
“I’m just so appreciative that they were able to save us, but I’m just so sad that they weren’t able to make it home to their families,” survivor Rebecca Liquori told reporters. “I wouldn’t be here had it not been for the pilot acting quickly.”
A total of 41 people were taken to area hospitals — 39 from the aircraft and two Port Authority firefighters from the truck. By Monday afternoon, 32 had been released. However, several passengers remained in serious condition, including one who suffered a brain bleed. A flight attendant was reportedly ejected from the aircraft through an opening in the severed fuselage.
Why Was the Fire Truck on the Runway?
According to the Port Authority and air traffic control recordings, the fire truck was responding to a separate, unrelated emergency. United Airlines Flight 2384 had aborted its takeoff when an anti-ice warning light came on, and flight attendants reported feeling ill due to a cabin odor. The United flight declared an emergency when no gates were immediately available.
Air traffic control audio reveals that the fire rescue vehicle radioed the tower requesting permission to cross Runway 4. The tower initially cleared the truck to cross — but then urgently told it to stop, using the word “stop” at least ten times in rapid succession. The truck did not stop in time. An air traffic controller was heard saying “I messed up” in the moments after the collision.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) deployed a full investigative team to LaGuardia on Monday. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy confirmed that both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were recovered and transported to NTSB laboratories in Washington D.C. for analysis. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also traveled to the airport to oversee the federal response.
LaGuardia Airport Status — Is It Open?
LaGuardia Airport was closed to all flights on Monday, March 23, 2026, while emergency crews cleared the runway and investigators collected evidence. Flights began to be rescheduled through the afternoon, but significant delays and cancellations continued throughout the day.
Hundreds of stranded passengers were seen waiting in LaGuardia terminals Monday morning, sitting on floors and benches with their luggage, checking their phones for updates. If you have a flight through LaGuardia in the coming days, check your airline’s website directly for the latest information on delays, cancellations, and rebooking options.
What Should You Do If Your LaGuardia Flight Is Cancelled?
If your flight through LaGuardia has been cancelled or significantly delayed due to this incident, you have several options:
- Contact your airline immediately — Most airlines are waiving rebooking fees for passengers affected by the LaGuardia closure. Call the airline or use their app to rebook.
- Ask about alternative airports — New York is served by three major airports: LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Newark Liberty International (EWR). Your airline may be able to reroute you through JFK or Newark.
- Consider ground transportation — If you are traveling from Connecticut, New Jersey, or the New York metro area, a professional car service to JFK or Newark may be your fastest and most reliable option today.
Best Ground Transportation Alternatives to JFK and Newark
With LaGuardia closed and thousands of travelers rerouting, JFK and Newark airports are experiencing significantly higher-than-normal volume today. If you need to reach either airport quickly and reliably, a pre-booked professional car service is far more dependable than Uber or Lyft, which are experiencing surge pricing due to the sudden spike in demand.
From Connecticut to JFK Airport
If you are in Stamford, Greenwich, Fairfield, or anywhere in Connecticut and need to reach JFK airport today, a professional car service from CT to JFK provides a fixed price, guaranteed pickup, and a professional driver who knows the fastest routes. CT Ride Car Service operates 24/7 and can accommodate last-minute bookings for stranded travelers.
From New Jersey to JFK or Newark
New Jersey travelers can reach either JFK or Newark airport by professional car service or party bus for larger groups. Luxury Bus NJ provides group transportation for families or corporate travelers who need to get to the airport quickly and comfortably during this disruption.
From New York City to JFK or Newark
Manhattan and Brooklyn residents looking to switch from LaGuardia to JFK or Newark can book a private car service for a fixed, surge-free rate. Unlike Uber and Lyft, professional car services do not use surge pricing — meaning today’s emergency does not mean paying three times the normal rate.
LaGuardia vs JFK vs Newark — Quick Comparison for Rerouted Travelers
| Airport | Status Today | Distance from Manhattan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaGuardia (LGA) | Partially closed / disrupted | 8 miles | Avoid today |
| JFK International | Fully open | 15 miles | International + domestic flights |
| Newark Liberty (EWR) | Fully open | 16 miles from Manhattan | Domestic + United hub |
Why Professional Car Service Is the Best Choice During Airport Disruptions
Airport emergencies and closures create exactly the kind of chaotic, high-demand situation where rideshare apps fail travelers the most. Surge pricing during major events like today’s LaGuardia closure can push Uber and Lyft prices to two or three times the normal rate. Drivers cancel on passengers. Wait times stretch to 30–60 minutes.
A pre-booked professional car service gives you a fixed price locked in at the time of booking — no surge, no cancellations, no surprises. Your driver is assigned, confirmed, and tracking your location. For stressed travelers dealing with a cancelled flight and a rerouted itinerary, that peace of mind is worth everything.
Our Thoughts on the LaGuardia Tragedy
The USA Limo Blog team extends our deepest condolences to the families of Captain Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther, who gave their lives to protect the passengers on board Air Canada Express Flight 8646. Their quick reaction in the final seconds of the collision is credited with saving dozens of lives.
We also wish a speedy recovery to all passengers and Port Authority crew members who were injured in this incident. The NTSB investigation will take time, but the aviation and transportation community will work to ensure that lessons learned from this tragedy prevent future incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LaGuardia Airport open today, March 23, 2026?
LaGuardia Airport was closed on Monday, March 23, 2026, following the Air Canada runway collision. Flights began to resume partially in the afternoon. Check your airline directly for the latest updates on your specific flight.
What happened at LaGuardia Airport last night?
An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 at approximately 11:45 p.m. on March 22, 2026. Both pilots were killed and 41 people were hospitalized.
How do I get to JFK from Connecticut if LaGuardia is closed?
The best option is a professional car service from CT to JFK. CT Ride Car Service provides 24/7 airport transfers with fixed pricing and professional drivers. Visit ctridecarservice.com for an instant quote.
Is Uber surging at LaGuardia today?
Yes — rideshare surge pricing is expected to be very high at and around LaGuardia today due to thousands of stranded passengers. A pre-booked professional car service to JFK or Newark offers fixed pricing with no surge.
Stay safe, travelers. Check your airline, rebook if needed, and if you need reliable ground transportation to JFK or Newark today, our partner car services are ready to help.
