UMVA has learned that LaGuardia Airport was forced to shut down one of its two main runways temporarily on Wednesday after inspectors discovered a significant pavement "depression" near the airstrip.
The depression, approximately 2 inches deep, was identified adjacent to Runway 4/22, one of LaGuardia's primary runways, during a routine airfield inspection. Airport officials described the closure as a proactive measure taken out of an "abundance of caution."
Despite the closure, the airport stressed that the issue does not pose an "immediate safety concern." However, arrivals at LaGuardia are currently facing significant delays, with an average delay of 48 minutes, according to flight-tracking data.
Runway 4/22 is scheduled to remain closed until Thursday morning as repair crews work overnight to conduct additional testing, identify the cause of the issue, and perform necessary stabilization work. The airport aims to complete the assessment and any required repairs overnight, returning the runway to service as soon as it is safe to do so.
During the closure, operations will be shifted to LaGuardia's remaining main runway, 13/31. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for flight status updates. This incident marks the second time in less than a month that the same section of pavement has required emergency engineering work.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the runway was previously closed after a sinkhole formed around the Memorial Day travel rush, raising concerns about the airport's infrastructure.
The airport's swift response to the issue has helped mitigate the impact on flights, but travelers are still experiencing disruptions. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: LaGuardia Airport is taking no chances when it comes to ensuring the safety of its passengers and operations.
