Air Canada Pilots’ Bodies Returned to Canada After Deadly LaGuardia Airport Collision

The bodies of two Air Canada pilots who died in a tragic runway accident at LaGuardia Airport have been brought back to Canada. The emotional return took place on Thursday, as fellow pilots and airline staff gathered to pay their respects.

The casket of First Officer Mackenzie Gunther was carried off a plane at Ottawa International Airport. His colleague, Captain Antoine Forest, was then flown to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport. In Montreal, hundreds of pilots and airline workers stood in the rain outside Air Canada’s headquarters to honour Forest. The silent gathering showed the deep sadness felt across the aviation community.

The accident happened on Sunday night when an Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire truck on the runway. The truck had been responding to another emergency and was allowed to cross the runway just seconds before the plane landed. The crash led to the deaths of both pilots and injured around 40 people. Most of the injured have now been released from hospital.

The Air Line Pilots Association said the loss of these young pilots has shaken the entire industry. Captain Tim Perry, the association’s president, said no family should face such pain. He also promised that a full investigation will be carried out to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The runway at LaGuardia Airport has now reopened after repairs and safety checks. However, the airport is still facing delays and cancellations as operations slowly return to normal. Officials said both the damaged aircraft and the fire truck have been removed, and investigators are studying what went wrong.

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau also shared his condolences, as the airline works to support the families of the victims and assist passengers affected by the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, hoping to find answers and improve safety for everyone who travels by air.