UAE expresses solidarity after Air Canada Express crash at New York airport
Pilot fatalities confirmed as dozens injured in runway collision
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its condolences and solidarity with Canada and the United States following a fatal aviation incident involving an Air Canada Express aircraft in New York.
The collision, which occurred during landing at LaGuardia Airport, resulted in the deaths of both pilots and left dozens of passengers injured. Authorities in the UAE extended sympathy to the victims’ families and wished a swift recovery to those hurt in the accident.
UAE Expresses Solidarity with Canada and the United States and Offers Condolences Over Air Canada Express Crash Victimshttps://t.co/VucGDrUzrO pic.twitter.com/5i51QcfpUp
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) March 23, 2026
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its sincere condolences to the government and people of Canada, highlighting the UAE’s support during the aftermath of the tragedy. The message also acknowledged the multinational nature of those affected, reflecting the global impact of the incident.
Fatal collision
The Air Canada Express CRJ-900 aircraft, operated by regional partner Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members when it collided with an airport fire truck late on Sunday night. The aircraft had departed from Montreal and was in the process of landing when the incident occurred.
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— WhiteHouse (@WhiteHouseIce) March 23, 2026
Tragic Crash at LaGuardia – March 22, 2026
Late last night, Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 (CRJ-900) from Montreal collided with a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 around 11:40 PM.
Fatalities: 2 (pilot & co-pilot)
Critical injuries: 4 (including… https://t.co/Jg1dDDPm5X pic.twitter.com/8p2wN0Rhm8
Officials confirmed that both the pilot and first officer were killed in the collision. A total of 41 individuals sustained injuries, with nine reported to be in serious condition and receiving treatment in hospital. Emergency responders, including firefighters, were also among those injured, with at least two sustaining significant harm.
According to preliminary data from flight tracking services, the aircraft struck the fire vehicle at approximately 39 kilometres per hour. Images from the scene showed visible damage to the nose of the aircraft, which appeared tilted upward following the impact.
Airport disruption
The accident led to the immediate closure of LaGuardia Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration stated that the airport would remain shut until 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, causing significant disruption to flight schedules.
Our deepest condolences go to the families and friends of the Jazz crew of Air Canada Express flight AC8646 on March 22.
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) March 23, 2026
Read full statement: https://t.co/etMYrF6W6o
By Monday morning, hundreds of flights had already been cancelled, with delays expected to continue throughout the day. The shutdown added to existing operational challenges within the US aviation system, including staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and security personnel.
Additional disruptions were reported at nearby Newark Liberty International Airport, where a temporary ground stop was implemented after an evacuation of the control tower due to a reported burning smell.
LaGuardia Airport handled more than 30 million passengers in 2025, underscoring the scale of the disruption caused by the closure.
Investigation begins
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The US National Transportation Safety Board is deploying a team of experts, while Canada’s Transportation Safety Board is also sending representatives to assist.
Initial reports indicate that the fire truck had been responding to a separate United Airlines aircraft that reported an onboard issue related to an unusual odour. Air traffic control audio suggests that both the aircraft and the fire vehicle had been cleared to proceed on the runway, raising questions about communication protocols.
Moments before the collision, a controller was heard urgently instructing the fire truck to stop. Aviation experts have indicated that communication between ground crews and air traffic control will be a central focus of the investigation.
Safety analysts note that aviation accidents are typically the result of multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause. The findings of the investigation are expected to examine operational procedures, staffing levels, and coordination between airport services.