LaGuardia Collision Adds to Flight Chaos Amid US Shutdown

Two United Airlines planes collided on the tarmac at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Friday, prompting flight cancellations and adding to widespread delays across the city’s airports amid an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers caused by the federal government shutdown.

United Airlines Flight 580, arriving from Chicago, made contact with the tail of Flight 434, which was parked and preparing to depart for Houston. The collision occurred as Flight 580 was taxiing to its gate. No injuries were reported.

“Both flights returned to the gate, and passengers disembarked normally,” a United Airlines spokesperson said. “The airline is working with affected passengers to reach their destinations.”

The incident unfolded during a day of severe disruption at New York airports, driven by strong winds and a critical lack of air traffic control staff. LaGuardia, which primarily handles domestic flights, and John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the city’s main international hubs, temporarily suspended departures due to staffing shortages.

“Currently, half of our 30 major facilities are experiencing staffing shortages, and nearly 80% of air traffic controllers are absent at facilities in the New York area,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement. “After 31 days without pay, controllers are under extreme pressure and fatigue. The shutdown must end so these controllers can receive their salaries and travelers can avoid further disruptions and delays.”

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey referred all inquiries regarding the LaGuardia collision to United Airlines.