Story perspectives
Republic Airways Pilots Mistakenly Approach JFK, Land Safely at LaGuardia
4/1/2026
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Story summary
- On March 15, 2026, Republic Airways pilots contacted John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) tower instead of LaGuardia.
- JFK controllers were confused by landing clearance.
- The pilots confirmed their approach but were told to switch to LaGuardia.
- The flight performed a go-around and landed safely at LaGuardia.
- Robert Sumwalt, former chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), said the error could have led to a dangerous situation.
