Officials expect the airport in New York to be fully operational later on Thursday. One of its two runways had been closed since Sunday, when a jet hit a truck, killing two pilots.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed repairs to the damaged runway were completed Wednesday, allowing the reopened runway to meet FAA safety standards. Workers removed the overturned fire truck and towed the destroyed Air Canada jet to an American Airlines hangar. The closure, in place since Sunday night’s crash, forced LaGuardia—one of the nation’s busiest airports—to operate at roughly 50% capacity, causing Thursday morning delays averaging three hours.

The incident occurred as an Air Canada plane arrived from Montreal, colliding with a fire truck moments after landing. Both pilots died, while dozens of passengers sustained injuries. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board examined the wreckage before its removal. Port Authority spokesman noted the reopened runway had undergone structural assessments and safety inspections.

Kathryn Garcia, Port Authority executive director, stated the airport’s restoration highlights resilience in crisis management. The closure disrupted regional and international travel, underscoring vulnerabilities in air traffic infrastructure. Patrick McGeehan, a Times reporter covering NYC transportation, emphasized the economic ripple effects on the city’s aviation sector.