Sinkhole To Keep LaGuardia Runway Closed Into Memorial Day Weekend

QUEENS, NY — The sinkhole that stopped traffic at LaGuardia Airport this week is set to remain closed into Memorial Day Weekend after investigators found possible areas of concern while making repairs on the runway, Port Authority officials said.

Airport crews found the sinkhole during an inspection at about 11 a.m. Wednesday, with the runway immediately being shut down, officials said. There were no injuries or plane damage reported as a result of the sinkhole, but its discovery did slow air traffic into the Queens airport.

Friday, it looks as though that slowing could continue.

“During investigatory inspections of LaGuardia’s airfield pavement Thursday using ground-penetrating radar, possible areas of concern were identified and proactively repaired,” a Port Authority Spokesperson told Patch. “Out of an abundance of caution, engineering crews have decided to conduct additional inspections that necessitate the continued closure of Runway 4/22. Crews expect to complete those surveys and any associated repairs by 6 a.m. Saturday, at which time the runway is expected to reopen.”

While the impacted runway will be closed overnight, officials said LaGuardia will remain open as the holiday weekend kicks off. Travelers wondering how their trips might be affected are advised to check with the airline carrying their flight.

"LGA remains open to flight operations, though flights will be affected due to the runway closure. Travelers should check with their airline for flight status before arriving at the airport,” the spokesperson said.

When reached for comment, an FAA spokesperson referred Patch to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) listing that the agency had published, which lists Runway 04/22 as “closed” as of Thursday at 9:21 p.m. eastern and reopening Saturday, May 23, at 6 a.m. eastern.