Officials are warning travelers about significant delays after a sinkhole was discovered near a runway at LaGuardia Airport during a routine inspection. The issue was identified near Runway 4/22, prompting the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to temporarily close the runway while crews investigate and complete repairs.
According to airport officials, the sinkhole was found around 11 a.m. local time during a standard morning inspection of the airfield. Emergency engineering and construction teams were quickly sent to the site to evaluate the condition of the runway area and determine whether there were any additional structural concerns requiring immediate attention.
The runway closure reduced airport operations by limiting traffic to one of LaGuardia’s two main runways. As a result, incoming and outgoing flights experienced major disruptions throughout the day. Forecast thunderstorms in the area further complicated operations, leading to slower traffic flow and increased delays for airlines and passengers.
The Federal Aviation Administration implemented traffic management measures to help manage congestion caused by the runway shutdown and weather conditions. Airport officials advised travelers to expect delays and cancellations and encouraged passengers to check directly with their airlines for updated flight information and possible rebooking options.
Flight tracking services reported that hundreds of flights were either delayed or canceled as operations slowed at the busy airport. Delta Air Lines, one of the largest carriers operating at LaGuardia, was among the airlines impacted by the disruptions. Some delays reportedly extended well beyond an hour as air traffic volume continued to build throughout the afternoon and evening.
Officials said the cause of the sinkhole remains under investigation, and engineers are continuing to assess whether the problem is isolated or related to broader underground conditions. LaGuardia Airport, which was built on former marshland, serves as a major transportation hub for the Northeast region, meaning disruptions at the airport can affect connecting flights and travel schedules across the country.