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New York's LaGuardia Airport is facing ongoing disruptions as repairs to a sinkhole on Runway 4/22 continue. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages the airport, announced that the runway will remain closed until at least 6 a.m. on Saturday. The closure has resulted in growing delays and cancellations, affecting travelers during the busy Memorial Day weekend.
The sinkhole was discovered during a routine inspection on Wednesday at around 11 a.m. Emergency crews immediately shut down the runway and began repairs. According to a Port Authority spokesperson, "LaGuardia's Runway 4/22 remains closed as emergency construction and engineering crews complete necessary repairs and proactive inspections of the airfield as quickly and safely as possible."
Despite efforts to expedite the repairs, the runway closure has led to significant disruptions. As reported by ABC News, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has slowed flights into LaGuardia due to the sinkhole and adverse weather conditions. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight status updates.
The situation is further complicated by forecasted thunderstorms, which are expected to cause additional delays. As of Thursday afternoon, 17% of flights were canceled, and 22% were delayed, according to FlightAware.
This incident follows a recent deadly collision involving an Air Canada plane at LaGuardia, highlighting ongoing challenges at the airport. The Port Authority continues to work closely with airlines to manage the situation and minimize disruptions for travelers.
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