LaGuardia Airport Closes Runway 4/22 After Ground Depression Discovery

LaGuardia Airport shut down Runway 4/22 on Wednesday evening after Port Authority officials discovered a two-inch depression adjacent to the runway during a routine airfield inspection. The runway, one of only two at the airport, was closed at 5 p.m. to allow crews to conduct testing, identify the cause of the depression, and perform stabilization work if necessary. Port Authority officials stated there was no immediate safety concern and the closure was precautionary. The agency aimed to complete assessment and repair work overnight and reopen the runway by Thursday morning.

Operations were diverted to Runway 13/31 during the closure, causing significant operational disruptions. The Federal Aviation Administration reported slowing flights into LaGuardia due to the repair work, resulting in approximately one hour of departure delays. The Port Authority advised travelers to check with their airlines regarding flight status and delays.

This closure marks the third disruption to Runway 4/22 in less than four months. The same runway was forced to close for two days in May after a sinkhole was discovered at the edge of the taxiway, resulting in over 1,000 delayed or cancelled flights during the busy Memorial Day weekend. Additionally, the runway was closed for more than three days following a fatal collision on March 22 between Air Canada Flight 8646 and a Port Authority fire truck. Passengers expressed mixed reactions to the precautionary closure, with some appreciating the safety measures while others expressed concern about recurring structural issues.

LaGuardia Airport, built on landfill in Flushing Bay nearly 100 years ago, has faced ongoing infrastructure challenges. The cause of the May sinkhole remains under investigation. Port Authority officials discovered Wednesday's depression through the same routine inspection process that identified the previous sinkhole, highlighting the importance of continued structural monitoring at the aging facility.