Sinkhole at LaGuardia Airport forces runway to shut down
CBS News • • business
Key Points:
- A sinkhole was discovered on the taxiway near Runway 4/22 at LaGuardia Airport during a morning inspection, leading to the immediate closure of the runway for repairs and investigation.
- With Runway 4/22 closed indefinitely, all air traffic must use the airport's only other runway, 13/31, likely causing significant delays and cancellations, especially with thunderstorms forecasted later in the day.
- The Port Authority is actively communicating with airlines and airport partners to manage the situation and advises travelers to check flight statuses due to expected disruptions.
- Investigators are exploring multiple causes for the sinkhole, including a nearby fuel line tunneling project, though such incidents are rare but not unprecedented at airports.
- Experts note that while sinkholes and potholes on runways are unusual, regular inspections are effective in identifying and addressing these safety hazards promptly.