An Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, killing two pilots and injuring dozens of people.
The Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights at LaGuardia following the incident, leading to the closure of the airport. More than 50 percent of flights scheduled to depart from LaGuardia were canceled on Monday, and inbound flights were diverted to Kennedy and Newark Liberty International Airports, according to Flight Aware.
The airport will remain closed until at least 2 p.m. Eastern, the F.A.A. said. Even before the incident, LaGuardia had issued a travel alert on Sunday warning passengers about long security wait times because of a shortage of T.S.A. officers caused by the partial government shutdown.
Here’s how the disruptions could impact your upcoming trip.
Are all flights at LaGuardia affected?
After the F.A.A. issued a ground stop early Monday, airlines canceled all scheduled flights through Monday afternoon. More than 500 flights have been affected as of Monday morning. Even after the airport reopens, more flights could be canceled and delayed as airlines grapple with the backlog of passengers.
The flight disruptions will mostly affect regional and domestic travelers, since the Port Authority limits flights from LaGuardia to a 1,500-mile radius, which covers destinations on the East Coast, Canada and the central United States.
When will the airport reopen?
It is not clear when it will reopen. The F.A.A. said LaGuardia would be closed until at least 2 p.m. Eastern, with a “high probability” of an extension to allow for a thorough investigation.
The Port Authority has urged people not to travel to the airport as access is limited to emergency staff and investigators responding to the incident. Airlines have urged passengers to manage their bookings digitally.
What should I do if my flight has been canceled?
Most major airlines will automatically rebook passengers on the next available flight, but passengers can also reschedule their flight without paying a change fee. Each airline has specific travel waiver rules, so it’s best to check through their app or website.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. Under the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, you are entitled to a full refund if an airline cancels your flight for any reason, including an airport closure. Domestic flights delayed by more than three hours are also eligible for a refund if the passenger chooses not to travel.
Ceylan Yeğinsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based.
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