NEW YORK (AP) — The runway where an Air Canada plane collided with a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport, causing the deaths of both pilots and injuring several people, reopened Thursday morning.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that the tarmac resumed operations after repairs and inspections ensured it met Federal Aviation Administration regulations for safe operation.
Although operations have resumed, LaGuardia Airport has experienced significant disruptions, with over 300 flight cancellations reported within the last 24 hours, according to Flight Aware.
As investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board progress, efforts are ongoing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash that occurred late Sunday night when the Air Canada aircraft, carrying 76 passengers, struck a fire truck on the runway that had been cleared to cross in response to another incident.
In a statement, the airline revealed that they would place the damaged aircraft in a hanger and assist in reuniting passengers with their baggage and personal items.
Moreover, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau expressed his apologies for previously failing to address the issue in French, a misstep that has garnered significant attention amid public calls for his resignation following the tragedy. Approximately 40 individuals were hospitalized due to injuries related to this incident, although reports indicate that most have since been released from medical care.
