Two United Jets Bump on LaGuardia Taxiway Amid Wind and Shutdown Turmoil
A turbulent Friday night at New York’s LaGuardia Airport ended with two United Airlines aircraft making contact on a taxiway, capping hours of weather related delays and staffing strains. The minor collision involved a United flight arriving from Chicago O’Hare and a second United jet waiting to depart for Houston. Both planes returned to the gate and passengers deplaned without injuries. The incident unfolded as gusty winds and ongoing staffing shortages fueled widespread disruptions across the region.
What Happened on the Taxiway
United Airlines confirmed the arriving aircraft “made contact” with the tail of the stationary jet at about 7:45 p.m. The two planes were carrying a combined 343 people, including 328 passengers and 15 crew members. After the bump, both crews followed standard procedures and taxied back to their gates. Maintenance teams inspected the aircraft while ground staff assisted customers with rebooking. No injuries were reported, and United stated it was working to accommodate travelers affected by the delay.
A Passenger’s View From On Board
Several passengers described feeling a brief jolt during taxi. One traveler said the cabin went quiet until the captain announced the contact with another aircraft. Crew members remained calm and provided updates as the plane returned to the gate. Gate agents guided customers through next steps, including new departure times and alternative flight options. For many, the tense moment reflected a day of mounting operational pressure across the airport.
FAA Response and Initial Details
The Federal Aviation Administration said it will investigate the incident. An FAA spokesperson noted that air traffic control is not responsible for aircraft movements in the immediate gate and ramp areas where the contact occurred. Investigators will review aircraft positioning, ground communications, and weather conditions at the time. Findings typically include recommendations aimed at preventing similar events. Any necessary safety advisories will be shared with the airline and airport operators.
Weather and Staffing Disruptions Collide
The contact came at the end of a chaotic stretch marked by strong winds and system wide delays. Wind gusts approached 50 miles per hour, prompting advisories that slowed operations throughout the evening. Ground stops and extended taxi times stacked up as airlines adjusted schedules to match the conditions. Average ground delays reached more than two hours, with some flights waiting as long as five hours. By late night, LaGuardia had logged hundreds of delays and more than one hundred cancellations.
Shutdown Pressure on an Already Stretched System
The government shutdown has added another layer of strain to an already busy travel period. TSA officers and air traffic controllers continue to work without pay, heightening stress and fatigue. The FAA has warned of staffing shortages at multiple major facilities, including the New York area. Transportation officials have cautioned that prolonged funding uncertainty could increase the risk of significant disruption. Airlines and airports have urged a swift resolution to stabilize schedules and staffing.
An Unwelcome Repeat at LaGuardia
This event marks the second ground contact at LaGuardia in roughly a month. A prior October collision involving aircraft operated by a Delta Air Lines subsidiary led to a flight attendant being taken to the hospital. While Sunday’s incident caused no injuries, the repeat underscores how quickly small misalignments can escalate when weather, delays, and staffing challenges converge. It also highlights the importance of clear ground procedures and calm communication between cockpit crews and ramp teams.
What Travelers Can Do Right Now
Travelers heading through LaGuardia should build extra time into their plans and monitor flight status closely. Use airline apps and airport alerts for real time updates on gates, delays, and rebooking options. If winds or staffing constraints trigger ground stops, consider earlier departures or nonstop routes when possible. Keep essentials handy in a small bag, including medication, chargers, and snacks, in case you spend longer than expected on the tarmac. Patience and preparation go a long way when weather and staffing pressures ripple through the system.
The Bottom Line
Two United jets made contact on a LaGuardia taxiway during a night of heavy winds and widespread delays. No one was hurt, and both aircraft returned to the gate for inspection and customer support. With the shutdown straining staffing and autumn weather adding unpredictability, travelers should expect occasional schedule swings and plan accordingly. Clear communication, extra buffer time, and flexible itineraries remain the best tools for getting where you are going safely.
Follow us on MSN for all your travel and lifestyle tips.
This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance
