Duffy Pushes for Funds After LaGuardia Crash Rumors

Clear Facts

• Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed LaGuardia Airport was adequately staffed during Sunday night’s fatal runway collision.
• Official reports show thirty-three certified controllers are currently employed, with plans to increase that number to thirty-seven.
• The NTSB is leading the investigation into the crash between an Air Canada flight and a fire truck.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed recent rumors regarding a deadly runway crash at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. He clarified that the facility is well-staffed and denied claims that a shortage of controllers caused the incident.

The collision involved an Air Canada flight and a Port Authority fire truck late Sunday night. Duffy deferred specific investigation details to the National Transportation Safety Board but immediately corrected misinformation about staffing levels.

Reports included audio of a controller calling for the fire truck to stop before admitting he had made a mistake. Another voice on the recording was heard stating he had done the best he could under the circumstances.

Duffy specifically addressed rumors suggesting only one controller was working at the time of the accident. He emphasized that New York’s LaGuardia remains a well-staffed hub despite broader industry challenges.

“I told you I am not going to talk about specifics, but for that question, I will say that is inaccurate,” Duffy said.

“As airports go, LaGuardia is a well-staffed airport … I did want to clarify, I have heard the rumor there was only on controller in the tower and that is not accurate.”

The Secretary noted that the Department of Transportation is prioritizing the retention and training of experienced controllers to fill existing vacancies. He urged Congress to approve funding updates to ensure the continued safety of the American traveling public.

“There is bipartisan agreement so they should come together and figure out a way to give us the rest of the dollars to complete the job.”

Duffy stressed that maintaining transportation safety is a non-partisan priority that requires cooperation from all lawmakers. He remains committed to modernizing the aviation workforce and infrastructure.

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