LaGuardia Airport is experiencing delays Thursday, May 21, after a runway was shut down because of a sinkhole discovered during an inspection Wednesday morning.
According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the sinkhole was found around 11 a.m. Wednesday on a taxiway near Runway 4/22 during a routine morning inspection.
The runway was immediately closed while crews investigated the cause and began repairs.
Flight delays and cancellations reported
LaGuardia has only two runways for takeoffs and landings, forcing all flights to use Runway 13/31 while repairs continue.
Several flights were canceled Thursday, and additional delays are possible heading into the busy Memorial Day travel weekend.
As of Thursday morning, there was no timetable for reopening the runway.
“The Port Authority is in close communication with airlines and airport partners and will continue providing updates as conditions evolve,” LaGuardia Airport said in a statement posted on social media.
Port Authority officials said the sinkhole may have been caused by a combination of weather conditions and nearby fuel line tunneling work.
Other sinkholes recently reported in New York area
Several sinkholes have been reported across the New York City region in recent weeks, causing traffic disruptions and safety concerns.
On May 15, a vehicle became trapped in a sinkhole on the Long Island Expressway near Exit 49N in Melville, leading to temporary lane closures and repairs.
Then on Wednesday, May 20, a school bus carrying about 30 children partially fell into a sinkhole near East 180th Street and Bronx Park Avenue in the Bronx. Police said one passenger suffered minor injuries.
Why sinkholes happen
According to the United States Geological Survey, sinkholes form when water erodes underground rock or soil, creating cavities beneath the surface.
When enough material weakens below ground, the surface can collapse under added weight from vehicles, buildings or traffic.
The USGS says there is no national sinkhole database, but sinkhole-related repairs have cost highway departments and property owners hundreds of millions of dollars nationwide over the past 15 years.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Sinkhole shuts down LaGuardia runway, causing delays before holiday weekend
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
