Air Canada Updates on Fatal Air Canada Express Accident at LaGuardia Airport: Everything You Need to Know
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Air Canada has issued a statement regarding a tragic incident involving an Air Canada Express Mitsubishi CRJ900 aircraft at LaGuardia Airport on March 22, 2026. Flight AC8646, operated by Jazz Aviation LP, was en route from Montréal when it tragically claimed the lives of both the Captain and First Officer. The flight was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members at the time of the crash. As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, Air Canada is committed to providing ongoing updates, supporting the families of those affected, and cooperating with safety authorities to determine the circumstances of the event.
The aircraft was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, according to the airline’s statement. The crash tragically claimed the lives of both the Captain and the First Officer on board.
“On behalf of everyone at Air Canada, I want to express my deep sympathies to everybody affected, and my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the two Jazz pilots who tragically lost their lives. We remain focused on the needs of our passengers and the Jazz crew members, along with their families and loved ones. I extend my thanks and gratitude to the Air Canada team members and the first responders on site, as well as employees of other airlines for their assistance, and to the medical teams for their care for our passengers and the crew. This is a difficult time for everyone, including all of us at Air Canada,” said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada.
Initial reports indicated that 39 individuals from the flight were taken to local hospitals with varying degrees of injury, ranging from minor to more serious. The remaining 35 passengers were assessed at the scene and, thankfully, did not require immediate medical attention. These individuals were cleared to continue their journey to their final destinations. As of the most recent update, six people continue to receive medical care in hospital, though further details on their conditions have not been made public.
Air Canada and Jazz Aviation have pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash, which is being led by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States. The investigation is still in its early stages, and both agencies are working to gather all available information to determine what led to this devastating incident.
The airline has assured the public that it will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available, particularly regarding the safety investigation and the status of the affected passengers and crew members. Air Canada has also emphasized its commitment to supporting the families and loved ones of those involved in the crash, especially the families of the two pilots who perished in the accident.
The incident has left a profound impact on both the Air Canada and Jazz Aviation teams, as well as the families of those directly involved. While the investigation continues, the airline remains committed to ensuring transparency and providing assistance to those affected during this incredibly difficult time.
Air Canada has reiterated that its priority is the well-being of the passengers and crew members involved in the incident, along with the support of their families during this challenging period. The airline has also expressed gratitude to all those involved in the emergency response, including medical teams and other airline staff who contributed to the immediate care and assistance following the crash.
As the investigation into this tragic accident moves forward, Air Canada and Jazz Aviation will continue to work closely with the authorities, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to understand the circumstances surrounding the crash and to enhance safety measures moving forward.
Air Canada has provided an update on the tragic Air Canada Express accident at LaGuardia Airport on March 22, 2026, confirming the deaths of both pilots and offering support as the investigation into the cause continues.
For now, the airline has promised to keep the public informed with regular updates as the investigation progresses. The company also reiterated its focus on the welfare of those affected, recognizing the heavy emotional toll that this tragic event has caused across the aviation community and beyond.
