Debris hangs from a damaged Air Canada Express jet that had collided with a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, U.S., March 23, 2026. REUTERS/Adam Gray TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
(New York, New York) – Only two air traffic controllers were actively working inside the control tower at LaGuardia Airport at the time of a deadly crash late Sunday night, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The collision occurred around 11:40 p.m., when airport traffic was lighter than usual. Officials say a total of four controllers were on duty at the time, but only two were positioned inside the tower cab—the glass-enclosed area responsible for directing aircraft movements on runways and taxiways.
Authorities have not confirmed whether staffing levels played a role in the crash, which killed both pilots. The incident remains under investigation.
Aviation experts note that while staffing is often reduced during overnight hours due to lower traffic, having only two controllers actively managing operations at a major airport like LaGuardia is considered minimal.
Federal investigators are continuing to review air traffic control communications, staffing logs, and procedures as they work to determine what led to the crash.
