LaGuardia Airport. Photo: mirigifford / Shutterstock.com Operations at LaGuardia Airport were disrupted yesterday, May 21, 2026, after crews discovered a sinkhole near Runway 4/22 during a routine morning inspection, forcing authorities to immediately shut down the runway.
According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the issue was identified at approximately 11 a.m. local time during the airport’s daily airfield inspection.
Photo: Shutterstock“The runway was immediately shut down, and emergency construction and engineering crews are onsite to determine the cause and complete necessary repairs as quickly and safely as possible,” LaGuardia said on social media.
Airport officials warned travelers to expect delays and cancellations, especially as thunderstorms were also forecast in the region.
“The Port Authority is in close communication with airlines and airport partners and will continue providing updates as conditions evolve,” the airport added.
Passengers flying through LaGuardia were strongly advised to check directly with their airlines for updated flight information as repair work continues. As of 01:00 A.M. New York Time (5 A.M. GMT), there were no new developments regarding the incident.
UPDATE:
The airport has today, May 22, informed the public that, "during investigatory inspections" of the airfield pavement on Thursday via ground-penetrating radar, "possible areas of concern were identified and proactively repaired."
However, "out of an abundance of caution, engineering crews are conducting additional inspections that necessitate the continued closure of Runway 4/22."
The surveys and any necessary repairs are expected to be completed by 6 a.m. on Saturday, when the runway is expected to reopen.
"LGA remains open to flight operations, though flights may be affected due to the runway closure. Travelers should check with their airline for flight status before arriving at the airport."
LaGuardia’s previous update on the issue said Runway 4/22 was expected to reopen "before flight operations tomorrow" (May 22).
The problem threatens the start of what is expected to be a record holiday travel rush, as millions of Americans take to the skies and roads for an extended Memorial Day weekend.