Sinkhole shuts down runway at LaGuardia International Airport

A sinkhole shut down one of the runways at LaGuardia International Airport in New York City, prompting cancellations and delays, according to officials.

Crews found the sinkhole around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, while conducting a daily morning inspection of the airport's airfield, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The sinkhole was located near Runway 4/22, one of the airport's two runways, according to the Port Authority.

“During investigatory inspections of LaGuardia’s airfield pavement Thursday using ground-penetrating radar, possible areas of concern were identified and proactively repaired," a Port Authority spokesperson told ABC News. "Out of an abundance of caution, engineering crews have decided to conduct additional inspections that necessitate the continued closure of Runway 4/22."

Crews expect to complete those surveys and any associated repairs by 6 a.m. Saturday, at which time the runway is expected to reopen, officials said.

As a reminder, LGA remains open to flight operations, though flights will be affected due to the runway closure. Travelers should check with their airline for flight status before arriving at the airport.”

WABC - PHOTO: Crews repair a sinkhole at LaGuardia International Airport in Queens, New York, May 20, 2026.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is slowing flights into LaGuardia "due to weather and a sinkhole on Runway 4/22."

WABC - PHOTO: A light-up "X" sign alerting that the runway at LaGuardia International Airport was closed.

"LGA remains open to flight operations, but we expect delays throughout the day, so travelers should check with their airline for flight status before arriving at the airport," the Port Authority said in a statement.

WABC - PHOTO: Crews repair a sinkhole at LaGuardia International Airport in Queens, New York, May 20, 2026.

"Travelers should expect delays and cancellations, particularly with forecast thunderstorms expected later today, and are strongly encouraged to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight status information," the Port Authority said.

A pilot and ground controller could be heard talking about the sinkhole as crews apparently responded, with the pilot asking "what happened" to the runway, according to audio on ATC.com.

"There's a sinkhole," the ground controller responded, noting that it "looks like they got equipment out there now."