Delta Jets Collision LaGuardia During Shutdown

In a rare ground incident, two Delta Air Lines regional jets collided Tuesday night while taxiing at LaGuardia Airport in New York. The incident happened during a period of U.S. government shutdown, raising questions about staffing and safety oversight amid the funding impasse.

One of the aircraft — preparing to depart for Roanoke — struck the fuselage of another that had just arrived from Charlotte. The impact was classified as a low-speed collision, and one flight attendant sustained non-life­threatening injuries. No passengers were harmed.

Authorities have confirmed that airport operations were not disrupted. The collision has triggered investigations into routine ground operations, particularly air traffic control and maintenance procedures. The timing—during a government shutdown—has added to the gravity of the probe, especially as aviation oversight agencies face interruptions under the funding freeze.

Editor’s Note: This event adds to recent aviation safety concerns in the U.S., including delays in maintenance and regulatory gaps blamed on the ongoing federal funding lapse.