by New York City, New York — Two United Airlines jets collided on the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport on Friday, as the airport struggled with heavy delays caused by high winds and staff shortages tied to the federal government shutdown, officials confirmed.
Collision During Taxiing
According to United Airlines, a plane arriving from Orlando, Florida, was turning into its gate when it clipped the tail of another United aircraft waiting for clearance to depart for Houston, Texas.
“We all felt a bump during taxi to the runway but didn’t know it was another plane until the captain said it was,” said one passenger, who spoke to The Post after the incident.
Both planes immediately returned to the gate, and all passengers were safely deplaned. There were no injuries reported among the 328 passengers and 15 crew members on board both aircraft.
Maintenance Checks Underway
After the collision, maintenance teams inspected the affected plane for potential damage or system malfunctions. The Houston-bound flight, which had already been delayed 90 minutes, experienced even longer delays as the investigation unfolded.
Weather and Ground Delays Cause Chaos
Earlier in the day, LaGuardia Airport temporarily halted operations due to strong winds reaching up to 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
By Friday evening, average ground delays were reported at over two hours, with some flights delayed as long as five hours. The wind advisory remained active through midnight, extending disruptions across multiple East Coast airports.
Shutdown Adds to Aviation Strain
The government shutdown has deepened existing aviation challenges, especially due to air traffic control staffing shortages.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned earlier this week that if the shutdown continues into November and the holiday season, it could cause “massive disruption” in U.S. airspace.
He cautioned that unpaid air traffic controllers may be forced to seek second jobs, worsening staff shortages and potentially impacting flight safety.
Growing Frustration Among Travelers
Passengers at LaGuardia reported hours-long waits on planes and in terminals, with many expressing concern about air travel safety and inefficient communication from airlines.
Although no injuries occurred, the incident highlights growing fears about airline safety standards as federal agencies operate with reduced staff during the shutdown.
Investigation and Next Steps
Both United Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the incident. The two planes involved remain grounded for further inspection and safety evaluation.
The airline stated that it is working to rebook affected passengers and minimize disruptions for travelers over the weekend.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe the shutdown and staffing shortages are putting air travelers at risk? Should the government act faster to restore full operations at airports?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
