NEW YORK (VINnews) — Operations at were disrupted Wednesday after airport crews discovered a sinkhole near one of the facility’s runways, forcing officials to temporarily shut it down and reroute all flights to the airport’s remaining active runway.

The hole was detected during a routine inspection near Runway 4/22, prompting an immediate closure as repair crews and engineers moved in to assess the damage and determine the cause.

Construction and emergency vehicles were seen working around the affected area as airport officials warned travelers to prepare for significant delays and possible flight cancellations.

With only one runway available for takeoffs and landings, air traffic congestion quickly began building at the busy New York airport. Officials also warned that forecast thunderstorms later in the day could worsen disruptions.

Passengers were advised to monitor flight updates directly through their airlines as repair efforts continued. Authorities did not provide an estimated timeline for reopening the runway.