LaGuardia closed until 2 p.m. Monday as plane crash investigation continues
New York's LaGuardia Airport will be closed until 2 p.m. ET Monday, March 23, after an Air Canada Express plane coming in from Montreal hit a fire truck, killing two pilots and injuring multiple people.
"The National Transportation Safety Board is on site," LaGuardia Airport wrote on X, adding that the closure will last until at least 2 p.m. ET so officials can complete "a thorough investigation."
The airport also encouraged travelers to check with their airlines for updates on flight information before heading to the airport.
Canceled flights are displayed on a screen at Terminal B in LaGuardia Airport on March 23, 2026 in New York City. All flights into and out of LaGuardia airport have ben cancelled until 2 p.m. after an Air Canada Express plane flight from Montreal collided with a fire truck on the tarmac, killing the pilot and leaving more than 40 people injured.
The crash happened at 11:47 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 22. There were four crew members and 72 passengers on the flight, which was headed from Montreal to New York City when it hit a fire truck on the runway, Jazz Aviation said.
Kathryn Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said at a news conference after the crash that 41 passengers and crew were taken to the hospitals, as well as Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting officers.
"We understand that 32 have been released, but there are also serious injuries," Garcia said. "Sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased."
Here’s what we know about the crash that led to the airport’s closure.
Fire truck was responding to separate incident, airport says
Since the plane crash just before midnight on Sunday, LaGuardia Airport and Jazz Aviation, which operates Air Canada Express flights, have updated travelers on the situation online.
According to the airport, the plane hit a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue fire truck that was in the area for a separate incident. The Port Authority Police Department is at the scene investigating, and is working with airline partners and federal authorities, the airport said.
Jazz Aviation President Doug Clarke said in a press release that the crash marks "an incredibly difficult day for our airline, our employees, and most importantly, the families and loved ones of those affected by the accident involving flight 8646."
"We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our two pilots and our unwavering support to those who have been injured," Clarke continued.
The airline said friends and family members of passengers on flight 8646 can call 1-800-961-7099 for more information.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s trending team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at [email protected].
