LONG ISLAND, NY — Flights have been slowed at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday following a sinkhole and impending thunderstorm in the New York area, the FAA said. This comes just days before the holiday weekend, potentially disrupting Long Island travelers.
At approximately 11 a.m. on May 20, a sinkhole was found during a routine inspection of the runway, Port Authority representatives told Patch.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued the following preliminary statement that is subject to change:
“The FAA is slowing flights into LaGuardia Airport in New York due to weather and a sinkhole on Runway 4/22.”
For Port Authority officials, the sinkhole comes ahead of potential afternoon thunderstorms and just days before one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Over 2 million passengers are expected to travel through New York airports this weekend, the Port Authority said, putting emergency construction efforts on the clock.
“The runway was immediately shut down, and emergency construction and engineering crews are on-site to determine the cause and complete necessary repairs as quickly and safely as possible,” one Port Authority spokesperson told Patch.
As for what the timeline might be like on repairing the sinkhole, the Port Authority said it would be in contact with airlines and airport officials on the conditions at the runway sinkhole.
“The Port Authority is in close communication with airlines and airport partners and will continue providing updates as conditions evolve,” the Port Authority Spokesperson said.
“Travelers should expect delays and cancellations, particularly with forecast thunderstorms expected later today, and are strongly encouraged to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight status information.”
There have been 101 canceled flights and 139 delayed flights destined for LaGuardia Airport as of 4 p.m. on May 20, according to FlightAware, as compared to 51 canceled flights and 132 delayed flights for the total number on May 19.
This sinkhole comes just days after a 10-foot-wide and 8-foot-deep sinkhole trapped a car on the Long Island Expressway in Melville.
More information on real-time flight delays can be found online.
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