FAA suspends aviation booked for LaGuardia Airport amid moisture from Canadian wildfires

June 8, 2023: On Wednesday, the FAA halted flights bound for New York’s LaGuardia Airport as smoke from Canada’s wildfires slashes visibility in the area.

“The FAA has taken steps to manage the flow of traffic into the New York City area due to decreased visibility from wildfire smoke,” the agency said in a statement.

“Flights bound for LaGuardia International Airport have been paused. Flights to Newark Liberty International Airport have been slowed.”

The FAA said Newark flights were delayed about an hour and a half.

Smoke drifting South from wildfires in Canada blanketed the New York On Tuesday, City area into Wednesday, tainting air quality and sending residents indoors. As of midday Wednesday, the city ranked fourth in the world for worst air quality, with an IQAir World Air Quality Index of 158, considered unhealthy for all residents.

The initial ground stop at LaGuardia was implemented until 2 p.m. E.T.

As of about 1:40 p.m. E.T., over 1,400 U.S. flights were delayed, according to flight tracking site FlightAware.

A spokesman for Delta Air Lines stated that the carrier has protective equipment for staff.

“And for those who work on the tarmac, we’re having them come inside to where breakrooms are amid aircraft turns,” the spokesman said. “We are also watching the predictions which call for rain in NYC in the days ahead, which should enhance the air quality.”