Authorities have issued alerts following the discovery of a sinkhole near Runway 4/22 at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The Port Authority swiftly closed the runway for repairs and further examination.
This sinkhole emerged during a routine morning inspection around 11 a.m. local time. Upon noticing the problem near the runway, crews took immediate action, leading to the runway’s closure, as reported by the New York Post.
In response, emergency construction teams have been dispatched to investigate the cause and gauge any structural damage, initiating the necessary repairs.
The closure of this major runway decreased the airport’s operational capacity, forcing all flights to concentrate on the remaining runway. This situation, compounded by anticipated thunderstorms later in the day, has led to significant delays.
The FAA has taken steps to manage incoming air traffic due to the sinkhole’s impact and the weather challenges.
“The Port Authority is in close communication with airlines and airport partners and will continue providing updates as conditions evolve. 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,” stated a Port Authority representative.
LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York:
“At approximately 11 a.m., the Port Authority was conducting its daily morning inspection of LaGuardia’s airfield when crews identified a sinkhole near Runway 4/22. The runway was immediately shut down, and emergency construction and… pic.twitter.com/SbtOWUENMQ
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) May 20, 2026
Flight tracking data reveals that about 197 flights were canceled at LaGuardia, which is around 17% of operations, while an additional 168 to 190 flights faced delays. Arrival delays ranged around 35 minutes initially and escalated, with some departures experiencing delays of up to 98 minutes.
Delta Air Lines, which operates roughly 40% of flights at LaGuardia, felt the brunt of the impact.
The specific cause of the sinkhole is still being investigated, with no details available about its size or severity. Images from news helicopters show contractors actively working to repair the area.
Engineers are assessing if the sinkhole indicates more widespread subsurface issues. LaGuardia, built on former marshland, can sometimes be prone to ground stability issues, although no definitive link has been established in this case.
Travelers are urged to check with their airlines for real-time updates on rebooking and alternative travel arrangements. The situation remains fluid, with the runway’s closure and inclement weather potentially causing ongoing disruptions.
As a vital hub for domestic travel in the Northeast, LaGuardia’s operations significantly affect flight connections across the nation.
