LaGuardia Airport update: First flight takes off after tragic Air Canada crash; airport says ‘expect delays’

With only one terminal open starting at 2 p.m. ET, LaGuardia Airport authorities said passengers should prepare for delays. Most airlines flying out of LaGuardia Airport are expected to face delays due to the earlier incident.

The incident involved an Air Canada plane crashing into a Port Authority truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport early Monday morning. The collision killed the pilot and co-pilot.

There were 72 passengers and 4 crew members on board the aircraft. Airport authorities confirmed that 41 people suffered minor or serious injuries. Thirty-two of the injured passengers suffered minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital and later discharged. The rest were seriously injured and would need to stay in hospital longer, they added.

Also read: ‘Stop, stop, stop’: Air Canada Express plane collides with fire truck, sending LaGuardia air traffic control center into panic

As of now, the identity of the deceased pilot has not been determined.

Previously, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said the airport will be closed until 2 p.m. Eastern Time, when one runway will reopen. No clear timetable was provided for reopening the rest of the runway.

“As operations resume, travelers should expect remaining delays and cancellations,” the FAA wrote in a statement. “Travelers are strongly encouraged to check with their carrier before departing for the airport.”

Also read: LaGuardia Airport crash: What caused plane to collide with fire truck?

Rousseau said the details of the accident were not yet known because the investigation was in the “early stages.” “The situation is still being assessed,” he added.

“Today is a very somber day for Air Canada,” Rousseau said. “First and foremost I would like to express my deepest condolences to everyone affected.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also reacted to the crash, telling reporters: “My heart goes out to the families of the two Canadian pilots. Of course, this is a very tragic outcome.”

Hochul added that she had been informed of the situation and was coordinating with local authorities on the rescue and treatment of those injured in the accident.

Meanwhile, the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the accident.