LaGuardia Delays Easing After Southwest Flight’s Landing Incident Closed A Runway Monday

Flight delays at LaGuardia Airport in New York City are finally easing up this morning, after a Southwest Airlines flight had an issue with its nose landing gear collapsing on the runway last night. At least 10 people suffered minor injuries and the airport had to close down temporarily while officials dealt with the incident, snarling traffic for hours.

On a Boeing 737, the rear landing gear hits the runway first, while the nose gear hits as the plane decelerates and completes landing. So far, authorities aren’t sure or haven’t announced what the problem was. The flight was arriving from Nashville International Airport, reports Bloomberg News.

Six passengers and at least three crew members were taken to a local hospital for back and neck pain, and four were treated at the scene, said a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport.

The runway reopened this morning, but has thus far caused delays for dozens of flights in and out of the airport, which is one of the busiest in the country. That’s caused a ripple effect throughout the country, with delays still of about 90 minutes for some arrivals as of this morning at 7 a.m.

A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey says there have still been “residual delays” this morning due to the accident, with the additional headache of thunderstorms across the area early this morning. So if you’re sitting at the airport right now and grumbling at the departures board, this is probably why.

It’ll get better, say airport officials, so just make sure your phone’s battery is fully charged for a marathon game of Jewel Bashing Bright Flashy Thingies, or whatever it is the kids play these days.

LaGuardia Delays Ease as Runway Opens After Jet Accident [Bloomberg News]

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