LaGuardia Airport collision halts operations after Air Canada Express jet strikes firefighting vehicle

LaGuardia Airport collision late on March 22 forced the Queens airport to suspend operations after an arriving Air Canada Express regional jet struck a Port Authority firefighting vehicle, authorities said. As of March 23, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop and warned the restriction was likely to be extended.

The Port Authority confirmed a Jazz Aviation aircraft operating for Air Canada was involved. Officials reported Flight 8646 from Montreal, a CRJ900 regional jet, was slowing to about 24 mph when it collided with a firefighting vehicle that had been responding to a separate airfield incident. Recordings reviewed by investigators indicate air traffic controllers attempted to stop the vehicle before the impact.

Agency statements say the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Jazz Aviation provided a passenger count of 72 and four crew members, noting that figure is subject to confirmation. Airport sources said the collision likely occurred as passengers were disembarking from the rear of the aircraft.

Earlier the same night, the crew of United Airlines flight 2384 aborted takeoff after an anti-ice warning and reports of an odor in the cabin; pilots requested firefighting assistance and declared an emergency when no gate was immediately available. The National Transportation Safety Board is deploying a go team to investigate, and officials warned travelers to expect significant delays and cancellations as the inquiry proceeds. Authorities have not immediately released details about injuries or a timetable for reopening.