A late Sunday night collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (Queens) between an Air Canada aircraft and a fire truck has left multiple people injured, according to initial reports from local news outlets. The incident, involving Air Canada flight AC788 arriving from Montreal, prompted a temporary shutdown of airport operations and is currently under investigation.
As of early Monday morning, authorities have not released official details regarding the number of injuries or the precise cause of the accident. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that all flights destined for LaGuardia were suspended due to the “emergency,” adding that the situation was evolving rapidly. The disruption is expected to cause significant delays for travelers throughout the day.
The collision occurred on Runway 4 as the Air Canada CRJ-900 regional jet was landing, according to preliminary information shared by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport. Details surrounding how the fire truck and the aircraft came into contact remain unclear, and investigators are working to piece together the sequence of events. The FAA has initiated a full investigation into the incident, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to join the probe.
Details Emerging from LaGuardia Airport
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded to the scene following the collision. A spokesperson for the FDNY stated they responded to a report of an incident involving an aircraft and a vehicle on the runway. Although the extent of the injuries is still being assessed, initial reports suggest that those hurt were primarily on board the Air Canada flight. Emergency medical services were dispatched to treat and transport the injured to local hospitals.
The suspension of flights at LaGuardia began early Monday morning, impacting both arriving and departing passengers. The FAA’s ground stop is intended to allow emergency crews to secure the scene and investigators to start their work. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight status updates. LaGuardia Airport’s official website is also providing updates as they develop into available.
🚨 | ÚLTIMA HORA: Varios heridos tras la colisión entre un avión y un camión de bomberos en la pista del aeropuerto LaGuardia de Nueva York. pic.twitter.com/yjBZo36mCX
— Alerta Mundial (@AlertaMundoNews) March 23, 2026
Impact on Air Travel and Ongoing Investigation
The incident at LaGuardia highlights the inherent complexities of airport operations and the critical importance of safety protocols. Air Canada has not yet released a formal statement beyond confirming that flight AC788 was involved in an incident at LaGuardia. The airline stated it is cooperating fully with the investigation. The FAA’s investigation will likely focus on factors such as air traffic control communications, runway conditions, and the operational status of both the aircraft and the fire truck.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is responsible for the overall safety and security of LaGuardia Airport. They will be working alongside the FAA and NTSB to determine what led to this collision and to implement any necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The agency has a dedicated team investigating the incident and will release findings as they become available.
What We Know About the Aircraft Involved
The Air Canada aircraft involved was a CRJ-900, a regional jet commonly used for shorter routes. According to Air Canada’s fleet information, the CRJ-900 typically carries between 75 and 90 passengers. Flight AC788 originated in Montreal and was arriving at LaGuardia as a regularly scheduled service. The fire truck involved was part of the airport’s emergency response team, and its presence on the runway is also part of the ongoing investigation.
The FAA’s investigation will include a review of radar data, communication recordings, and interviews with air traffic controllers, pilots, and ground personnel. Investigators will also examine the physical damage to both the aircraft and the fire truck to determine the point of impact and the forces involved. A preliminary report is expected to be released within the next few weeks, but a final determination of the cause of the collision could take several months.
The disruption at LaGuardia is a reminder of the fragility of the air travel system and the potential for unforeseen events to impact thousands of passengers. Travelers are encouraged to remain patient and to stay informed about the latest updates from their airlines and the airport authorities.
The next official update is expected from the FAA and NTSB following their initial on-site investigation. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
If you are affected by the flight disruptions at LaGuardia Airport, please check with your airline for rebooking options and travel assistance. Share your experiences and stay informed by commenting below.
