LaGuardia Airport sinkhole: 1 runway to remain closed until Saturday

One of LaGuardia Airport’s two runways isn't expected to reopen until Saturday, while repairs are made to a section of tarmac damaged by a sinkhole — leaving one of New York’s busiest airports with just one runway as the summer travel season kicks off.

The Port Authority, which runs the region’s main airports, including LaGuardia, said earlier this week that the runway was expected to reopen Friday, the beginning of Memorial Day weekend.

The closed runway, 4/22, was damaged Wednesday and repairs are ongoing on that section of tarmac, causing the delay or cancellation of over 1,000 flights.

"During investigatory inspections of LaGuardia’s airfield pavement Thursday using ground-penetrating radar, possible areas of concern were identified and proactively repaired. Out of an abundance of caution, engineering crews have decided to conduct additional inspections that necessitate the continued closure of Runway 4/22," a statement issued by the Port Authority said. "Crews expect to complete those surveys and any associated repairs by 6 a.m. Saturday, at which time the runway is expected to reopen."

The closure of that runaway is the second this year. In March, two pilots were killed after the plane they were landing at LaGuardia collided with a fire truck crossing the runway.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.