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LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, has reopened Runway 4/22 after a temporary closure due to a two-inch depression found adjacent to the runway on Wednesday. The Port Authority announced the runway was fully operational again by Thursday morning. This marks the third time the runway has been closed in 2026.
The runway's latest closure was a precautionary measure taken after a routine inspection revealed the depression. The Port Authority stated there was no immediate safety concern, but the runway was shut down to allow for further testing and repairs. During the closure, operations were redirected to Runway 13/31, causing significant disruptions and one-hour delays for departures, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The same runway was previously closed in May due to a large sinkhole, which disrupted flights during the busy Memorial Day weekend. In March, a tragic incident occurred on Runway 4/22 when two Air Canada regional jet pilots died after their plane collided with an airport truck.
Travelers have expressed mixed feelings about the repeated closures. While some, like Jen Logan, appreciated the airport's caution, others, like Stephen Thurm, found the situation alarming. Derrick Woods, another traveler, commented on the ongoing issues with airport infrastructure, noting that safety and travel times are already declining.
The Port Authority continues to monitor and address these issues, emphasizing the importance of routine inspections. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information.
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