In a move to ensure passenger safety, LaGuardia Airport authorities closed Runway 4/22 on Wednesday afternoon following the discovery of a pavement depression during a routine inspection. The closure, which began at 5 p.m., is expected to last until Thursday morning, as repair crews work diligently to address the issue.
The Port Authority reported that the depression, measuring approximately 2 inches deep and 24 inches in diameter, was identified adjacent to the runway. Although the issue does not pose an immediate safety concernthe closure was made proactively and out of an abundance of caution.
Repair Work and Operational Impact
During the closure, all flight operations have been shifted to LaGuardia’s remaining main runway, Runway 13/31. However, the closure has led to significant disruptions, with 24 flights canceled and 17 delayed. The Federal Aviation Administration has also slowed arrivals into the airport, causing an average delay of 48 minutes for incoming flights.
The repair work involves conducting additional testing, identifying the cause of the depression, and performing any necessary stabilization work. The Port Authority has stated that their goal is to complete the assessment and return the runway to service quickly.
Recent History of Pavement Issues
This is the second time in less than a month that Runway 4/22 has been closed due to pavement concerns. In May, a sinkhole was discovered on taxiway Bravoadjacent to the runway, leading to a two-day closure. The incident caused hundreds of flights to be canceled or delayed, impacting travelers just days before the Memorial Day weekend.
The cause of the sinkhole is still under investigation. The recent closure has raised concerns about the airport’s infrastructure, as LaGuardia was built on landfill in Flushing Bay almost 100 years ago.
Traveler Reactions and Advice
Travelers have expressed mixed reactions to the closure. Some appreciate the precautionary measures taken by the airport, while others are concerned about the potential for further disruptions. Jen Logan, a passenger flying out of LaGuardia, stated, I’m glad they’re taking the precautions to shut it down. To be honest, I’d rather it be shut down than to be going through a sinkhole area.
Stephen Thurm, another traveler, expressed concern, saying, That’s kind of terrifying. Especially if it’s happened before.
The Port Authority has advised passengers to check with their airlines for information on delays and cancellations. They hope to restore the runway to full service by Thursday morning.
