LaGuardia Airport Runway Closed by Sinkhole Before Memorial Day Weekend

What Happened at LaGuardia Airport

Crews spotted the sinkhole at approximately 11 a.m. on Wednesday during a routine morning inspection of LaGuardia's airfield. The hole was found near Runway 4/22, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey shut it down immediately. Emergency construction and engineering teams have been on site since, working to determine the cause and complete repairs as quickly as possible.

Port Authority officials believe a combination of weather conditions and nearby fuel line tunneling work may have contributed to the collapse. A large illuminated X has been marking the closed runway to signal to pilots it's off-limits, and excavators and crews were visible on the airfield working through the repairs.

Image Credit: Screenshot from @LGAairport via X

How This Affects Memorial Day Flights

LaGuardia operates with just two runways, which is already tight for one of the busiest airports in the country. With Runway 4/22 out of commission, all flights have been redirected to Runway 13/31. That bottleneck has already triggered cancellations and delays, and the situation may worsen. Thunderstorms are forecast for the area later Thursday, and LaGuardia Airport's official account warned travelers to expect delays and cancellations from both the runway closure and the incoming weather.

If you're flying out of LGA for Memorial Day, check your airline's app before heading to the airport.

When Will the Runway Reopen?

The latest update from LaGuardia Airport’s official account, posted Thursday morning, said the airport expects to reopen Runway 4/22 before Friday’s flight operations begin, with the possibility of an earlier reopening depending on how inspections and repairs progress. As of Thursday morning, however, no firm reopening time had been announced.

LGA remains open to flight operations throughout the closure, but delays are expected to continue throughout the day.

Image Credit: Screenshot from @LGAairport via X

This is the second major incident on Runway 4/22 in just two months. On March 22, 2026, Air Canada flight AC8646 collided with a fire truck on this same runway. That crash drew significant scrutiny to LaGuardia's airfield operations, and the sinkhole discovery so soon after has added another uncomfortable chapter to the runway's recent history.

LaGuardia’s Sinkhole In Context: A Pattern Across New York

The LaGuardia sinkhole is not the only recent collapse reported in the New York region. In the past week alone, the area has seen several high-profile sinkhole incidents. On May 15, a vehicle was swallowed by a sinkhole on the Long Island Expressway near Melville, prompting lane closures. Then on May 20, a school bus carrying about 30 children partially fell into a sinkhole near East 180th Street and Bronx Park Avenue in the Bronx. One passenger reportedly suffered minor injuries.

Sinkholes form when water erodes underground rock, soil, or fill material, creating hidden cavities beneath the surface. Eventually, the ground above can weaken and collapse suddenly under the weight of vehicles, aircraft, roads, or other infrastructure. Aging underground systems, heavy spring rain, poor drainage, and nearby construction activity can all increase the risk, especially in dense urban areas where the ground has been built over, dug through, and patched for generations.

Image Credit: Screenshot from @fl360aero via X

This is the worst possible timing for an airport that already runs at or near capacity every single day. A single-runway operation at LGA creates cascading delays that can ripple well beyond New York, and with thunderstorms in the forecast, the window for recovery before the weekend rush is narrow.

Check your flight status before leaving for the airport. Give yourself extra time. And if your flight is canceled, U.S. airlines are required to rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge. What compensation you're owed for a delay depends on the airline and the cause, so check your airline's specific policy and travel insurance if you have it.

Frequently Asked Questions: LaGuardia Airport Sinkhole

What caused the sinkhole at LaGuardia Airport?

Officials believe a combination of weather conditions and nearby fuel line tunneling work may have contributed to the sinkhole near Runway 4/22. The exact cause is still under investigation.

Which runway is closed at LaGuardia?

Runway 4/22 is closed. LaGuardia has only two runways, so all flights are currently using Runway 13/31.

When will LaGuardia's Runway 4/22 reopen?

LaGuardia Airport says it fully expects to reopen the runway before Friday's flight operations, with the possibility of an earlier reopening pending inspection results.

Is LaGuardia Airport still open?

Yes. LaGuardia remains open to flight operations, but delays are expected throughout Thursday and into the holiday weekend.

Will thunderstorms make the delays worse at LaGuardia?

Yes. LaGuardia Airport's official account warned of forecast thunderstorms on top of the runway closure, which is likely to compound existing delays and cancellations.

What should I do if my LaGuardia flight is canceled?

Contact your airline immediately. U.S. airlines are required to rebook passengers on canceled flights at no additional cost. Check your airline's app and policy for further compensation or accommodation options.

Is this the same runway as the Air Canada crash at LaGuardia?

Yes. Air Canada flight AC8646 collided with a fire truck on Runway 4/22 on March 22, 2026, making this the second major incident on that runway in under two months.

Are sinkholes common at airports?

Sinkhole incidents at airports are rare but not unheard of. They typically result from underground erosion, aging infrastructure, or nearby construction disturbing the ground.