Both LaGuardia Airport runways back open days after deadly crash, officials say
LaGuardia Airport has reopened the runway that had been shuttered for days following last weekend's deadly collision between an Air Canada plane and a Port Authority emergency truck.
The runway had been shut down since Sunday night as officials continue to investigate the incident. The Port Authority removed the plane and truck involved on Wednesday.
The runway reopened just before 10 a.m. on Thursday.
"As of 9:58 a.m., Runway 4/22 has reopened at LaGuardia Airport. Since the removal of the plane and truck late Wednesday, the runway and associated infrastructure has been repaired, inspected, and confirmed to meet FAA regulations for safe operation," a statement from the Port Authority said.
The horrific collision killed the plane's two pilots and injured dozens. Four passengers and crew members from the flight remain hospitalized. CBS News New York has learned Port Authority Police Sergeant Michael Orsillo is being moved to a rehabilitation hospital as a result of his injuries.
Bodies of Canadian pilots heading back home
The bodies of the two pilots were to be transported from a Queens funeral home to Newark Liberty International Airport and then taken back to Canada later Thursday.
They were identified as Antoine Forest, 30, and Mackenzie Gunther, according to officials.
"These were two young men at the start of their careers," Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Brian Bedford told reporters Monday. "It's an absolute tragedy that we're sitting here with their loss."
President of Air Canada offers "deepest condolences"
Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of AIr Canada, released a new statement on the deadly crash Thursday.
"I want to reiterate my deepest condolences to the families of the Jazz Captain and First Officer who tragically lost their lives, and recognize the profound impact this accident has had on our employees and customers. Air Canada is cooperating fully with U.S. and Canadian authorities in the investigation," Rousseau said in a statement.
He went on to apologize for not being able to express his condolences in French.
"I am also very grateful to those who have given the very best of themselves throughout the last few days to take care of our customers and each other while coping with the weight of this tragedy and I have been moved by the messages of support received from so many people who have reached out to express their thoughts for those impacted by Sunday's tragic accident," he said.
Latest on the investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board is not expected to make any updates regarding its investigation Thursday.
Investigators reviewed the audio between the pilots and the air traffic control tower and between the tower and the emergency vehicle. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said they have also been conducting interviews with people involved.
"The initial questions are usually focused on, what was going on in the tower at the time? Who came off duty? When people came off duty," she said. "We start to build a timeline, and then dig into each of those questions to find out more."
Officials are looking into air controller staffing, possible fatigue variables and technological failsafes that did not prevent the crash.
Long security lines continue at LaGuardia
The Port Authority said the reopened runway will return the airport to full capacity, but travelers are still dealing with the ripple effect from days of cancellations and delays, not to mention a Transportation Security Administration staffing shortage.
Before passengers can take off, they have to make it through security. Some of them waited more than two hours inside Terminal B on Thursday.
"I was in awe of like how much we were walking from like checking our bags to here," New York resident Sabrina Gonzalez said of the length of the security line.
Passengers added they hope the reopened runway will mean fewer delays and cancellations -- and that's not all.
"I hope [lawmakers] come to a conclusion soon and settle it so everyone can get to their destinations," Gonzalez said.
The Port Authority said even though the runway is open, passengers should still check ahead with their airline for the latest on their flight status.
Officials said the reopening will help restore normal operations at the airport. Travelers are still encouraged to check with their airline for their flight status.
