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Sinkhole Forces LaGuardia Runway Closure, Disrupting NYC-Area Air Traffic

A sinkhole at LaGuardia Airport forced officials to shut down Runway 4/22 on Wednesday, disrupting flight operations across the New York City region. The Port Authority identified the sinkhole during routine airfield inspection and immediately shut down the runway. Emergency construction and engineering crews mobilized to determine the cause and complete necessary repairs. Forecasted thunderstorms compounded the disruptions. Air traffic controllers slowed flights or halted departures during the bad weather at all three major regional airports. Southwest Airlines reported approximately 20 delayed arrivals Wednesday. Delta Air Lines activated a weather waiver allowing customers to rebook through Sunday. The closure comes ahead of the busy Memorial Day travel period, adding to congestion at one of the country's most congested airports. Other major carriers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.