Last Updated: March 23, 2026 | LaGuardia Airport remains closed for investigation

Air Canada has established an emergency hotline for families and friends of passengers aboard Air Canada Express flight AC8646 following a fatal crash late Saturday night at New York's LaGuardia Airport.

Crash Details: What Happened

The Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, operating as Air Canada Express flight 8646 from Montreal (YUL) to LaGuardia (LGA), crashed at approximately 11:30 p.m. on March 22, 2026, after colliding with a fire truck on the runway.

Confirmed Casualties and Injuries:

• 2 fatalities: Pilot and First Officer (Jazz Aviation employees)
• All 72 passengers accounted for
• 4 cabin crew accounted for
• 41 people transported to hospitals in Queens, New York
• 32 patients released from hospital care
• 9 remain hospitalized, some in serious condition
• 2 Port Authority fire truck occupants suffered non-life-threatening injuries

Kathryn Garcia, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates LaGuardia Airport, confirmed the casualty figures during a press briefing.

Air Canada Official Statement

Air Canada issued an update at approximately 7:00 a.m. EST on March 23:

“Flight 8646 was en route to LGA from Montreal. Jazz Aviation LP, operating as Air Canada Express, confirmed the incident occurred at 11:30 p.m. last night. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that the pilot and the first officer were killed in this accident. We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Jazz employees, and our deepest condolences go out to the entire Jazz community and their families.”

The airline stated it cannot yet confirm the exact number of injuries or if additional fatalities have occurred. Emergency services remain on-site providing care to injured passengers.

Emergency Contact Information

For families and friends of passengers on flight AC8646:

Toll-free hotline: 1-800-961-7099

Additional international contact information is available on the Air Canada website.

Air Canada's official statement for concerned families reads: "Flight AC8646 from Montréal (YUL) to LaGuardia (LGA) was involved in an incident on March 22, 2026. We understand how concerned you are for your loved ones, and we are working very closely with the authorities and local agencies to share the most accurate and up-to-date information as it becomes available."

Crash Scene and Damage Assessment

According to eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence from the scene:

Aircraft Damage:

• Bombardier CRJ900's nose crumpled and pointing skyward
• Cockpit completely peeled back to the first passenger window
• Exposed wiring and flight control systems visible
• White fuselage with Air Canada Express logo intact
• Emergency exit stairways positioned for passenger evacuation

Fire Truck Damage:

• Neon yellow Port Authority fire truck overturned on its side
• Heavily damaged from impact
• Two occupants suffered non-life-threatening injuries

The crash scene was illuminated by portable floodlights and surrounded by red emergency response vehicles throughout the night.

Events Leading to the Crash

Air traffic control recordings reviewed by The Canadian Press reveal a complex emergency situation unfolding in the minutes before the collision:

Timeline of Events:

1. United Airlines flight aborted takeoff due to strange odor in cabin
2. Odor reportedly made some flight attendants feel ill
3. LaGuardia controllers mobilized stair truck for potential United evacuation
4. Fire truck dispatched to respond to United Airlines emergency
5. Air traffic controller gave clearance for vehicle to cross tarmac
6. Controller attempted to stop vehicle movement
7. Air Canada Express flight AC8646 landed and struck fire truck

The precise sequence of events and contributing factors remain under investigation.

LaGuardia Airport Status

Airport Closure: LaGuardia Airport will remain closed until at least 2:00 p.m. EST on March 23, 2026, to facilitate the ongoing investigation.

Traffic Impact: LaGuardia ranked as the 19th busiest U.S. airport in 2024 among more than 500 facilities nationwide, serving over 16.7 million boarding passengers according to 2025 FAA database statistics. The closure affects hundreds of flights and thousands of travelers.

Passengers with flights scheduled through LaGuardia should contact their airlines directly for rebooking options and alternative arrangements.

Official Investigation

Multiple agencies are collaborating on the crash investigation:

Lead Investigator:

• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) - United States

Cooperating Agencies:

• Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)
• Air Canada
• Jazz Aviation LP
• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Both Air Canada and Jazz Aviation have confirmed full cooperation with U.S. and Canadian transportation safety authorities.

About the Aircraft and Operator

Aircraft Details:

• Model: Bombardier CRJ900 regional jet
• Operator: Jazz Aviation LP
• Operating as: Air Canada Express
• Route: Montreal (YUL) to LaGuardia (LGA)
• Flight number: AC8646

Jazz Aviation operates regional flights under the Air Canada Express brand as part of Air Canada's domestic and short-haul international network.

Ongoing Updates

Air Canada and Jazz Aviation have committed to issuing regular updates as information becomes available. Investigation teams from both airlines are en route to the accident site.

For the latest information:

• Visit Air Canada's official website
• Call the family assistance hotline: 1-800-961-7099
• Monitor official Air Canada social media channels
• Check NTSB press releases

Source: Travelweek with file from The Canadian Press
Lead image caption: An Air Canada Jet sits on the runway at LaGuardia Airport, Monday, March 23, 2026, after colliding with a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle after landing in New York (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)