LaGuardia Airport

This camera looks across the waterfront of northern Queens, where LaGuardia Airport spreads along the edge of the East River. Aircraft can be seen lining up and touching down or climbing away, with the Manhattan skyline rising behind them. The closeness of the runways to the water and the dense city backdrop make the scene easy to recognise.

Traffic is fairly steady through the day, with busier periods in the morning and late afternoon when business travel peaks. Clear days give the sharpest view of the skyline, while haze or low cloud softens the towers. In winter, cold air and occasional snow change the light and the look of the water; summer evenings bring long shadows over the runways.

LaGuardia is one of the main airports serving New York City and takes its name from a former mayor. It occupies a compact site in Queens, close to the water and to residential neighbourhoods, and is used mostly for domestic flights. Travellers passing through often notice the short runways and the views of the city on approach.