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Air traffic controllers left early on day of fatal LaGuardia collision

Two LaGuardia air traffic controllers went home an hour before the end of their shift, shortly before a fatal collision.

28 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Air traffic controllers left early on day of fatal LaGuardia collision — Archive photoPhoto: Mark Brouwer · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5

On March 22, 2023, a deadly collision occurred at LaGuardia Airport in New York, where an Air Canada aircraft struck a fire truck. Both pilots of the aircraft lost their lives in the incident. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, two air traffic controllers left for home shortly before the incident, about an hour before the end of their shift.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced its intention to fire the two air traffic controllers who left early. This decision comes in light of their circumstances on the day of the fatal collision.

The air traffic controllers reportedly left their posts without adequately monitoring the airport situation, which may have contributed to the accident. The FAA has investigated the situation and underscored the necessity of their presence during a busy period.

Reports of their early departure have raised concerns about the workload and responsibilities of air traffic controllers. Incidents at airports are closely monitored, especially when they result in fatal outcomes.

Sources from Reuters have confirmed this news, pointing to earlier reports from other media. The FAA's focus extends not only to the specific air traffic controllers involved but also emphasizes the broader need for stricter adherence to procedures and responsibilities within air traffic control.

This incident has renewed attention on the role of air traffic controllers and the impact of their decisions on the safety of aviation operations.

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