LaGuardia Airport reopens after explosion turns NYC skyline blue
New York’s LaGuardia Airport is operating as normal again after a brief groundstop following one of the most bizarre sights seen on the New York skyline.
A transformer exploded at a Consolidated Edison Inc electrical plant, resulting in a huge bright blue light in the sky.
It sparked a fire which was soon under control.
"There was a brief electrical fire at our substation on 20th Avenue & 32nd Street in Astoria this evening, which caused a transmission dip in the area. All power lines serving the area are in service and the system is stable," ConEdison tweeted.
It caused a widespread blackout with the airport reverting to backup power facilities.
Several flights were diverted and many more were delayed.
The FAA groundstop lasted less than an hour.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said there were ‘extensive delays’ of local train services.
The bright blue flame sparked frenzied activity on social media with alien invasion theories particularly rampant.
The Fire Department said there were no reports of injuries or major damage.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.

































Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive