FAA pauses flights from the Northeast, Ohio and Mid-Atlantic bound for LaGuardia Airport
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The FAA has paused flights from the Northeast, Ohio and Mid-Atlantic bound for LaGuardia Airport due to the hazy and smoky conditions.
It was reported on "GMA" that the FAA will likely need to take steps to manage the flow of traffic safely into New York City, DC, Philadelphia and Charlotte due to reduced visibility from wildfire smoke.
Newark, LaGuardia and JFK airports all experienced delays on Wednesday due to low visibility caused by smoke conditions in the region.
The FAA put a ground stop in place at LaGuardia, meaning some flights were held at their origin airport to ease congestion, but not all.
Flights resumed Thursday morning at LaGuardia, but with a one-hour delay.
RELATED | Canada wildfire status tracker
More delays are likely throughout Thursday at the region's other airports.
Reporter Josh Einiger recorded the "surreal scene" as his plane landed at LaGuardia:
Another issue that could slow down airlines is the working conditions for airline employees on the tarmac.
On Wednesday American Airlines said, "We are monitoring the situation closely and looking out for the safety of our employees who work outside, and adjusting our schedule where needed."
Delta is providing protective equipment for tarmac staff and said, "For those who work on the tarmac, we're having them come inside to where breakrooms are in between aircraft turns. We are also watching the forecasts which call for rain in NYC in the days ahead which should improve the air quality."
Health officials are urged area residents to limit outdoor activities on Thursday as air quality was expected to remain at "unhealthy" to "very unhealthy" levels.
The smoke has made for potentially dangerous conditions, especially for people with respiratory issues. Exposure to elevated fine particle pollution levels can affect the lungs and heart.
RELATED | Interactive map to track air quality across the New York City region
ALSO READ | New York City air quality reaches dangerous levels due to Canadian wildfire smoke
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