United Airlines Planes Collide at LaGuardia Amid Airport Delays
On Friday evening, a significant incident occurred at LaGuardia Airport in New York, where two United Airlines planes collided on the tarmac. This event unfolded amidst a backdrop of considerable airport delays attributed to adverse weather conditions and staffing shortages linked to a government shutdown.
Details of the Collision
A United Airlines flight, arriving from Orlando, Florida, was in the process of taxiing to its gate when it struck the tail of another stationary United jet. The second aircraft was preparing for a journey to Houston at the time of the incident. According to a spokesperson for United Airlines, no passengers were injured in this collision.
One passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, described feeling a bump during the taxi to the runway. The situation was clarified when the captain announced the planes had collided. Emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene, and both aircraft returned to their respective gates where all 328 passengers and 15 crew members were safely deplaned.
Ongoing Delays at LaGuardia Airport
The collision exacerbated an already difficult situation at LaGuardia, which was suffering from extensive delays. Prior to the incident, the Houston-bound flight was already facing a delay of over 90 minutes, which only increased as the night progressed. Severe wind conditions, with gusts reaching 45 mph, had prompted a ground stop at the airport earlier in the day.
- Average delays: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Some flights delayed by as much as 5 hours
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory that remained in effect through midnight, further complicating travel plans for many passengers. As the situation unfolded, the Port Authority directed all inquiries about the incident to United Airlines, leaving many details unaddressed due to the current government shutdown.
Consequences of Staffing Shortages
The ongoing government shutdown has exacerbated air traffic control staffing shortages, raising concerns about potential disruptions in air travel. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that continued staff shortages could lead to severe problems in airspace management, especially as the holiday season approaches.
With unpaid air traffic controllers potentially seeking additional work to support their finances, the aviation industry faces a challenging future. Duffy emphasized the risks posed by these shortages, suggesting that serious operational issues are on the horizon if the situation persists.
Overall, the collision at LaGuardia Airport not only highlights the immediate safety concerns but also sheds light on the broader systemic issues affecting air travel today.
