A raccoon caused a commotion at LaGuardia Airport’s Marine Air Terminal when it unexpectedly fell from the ceiling next to a Spirit Airlines gate. The incident was captured on video by a user named Ahmad Anonimis and shared on social media. In the video, the raccoon can be seen breaking through a ceiling tile, dangling on a cord, and then dropping to the ground, much to the surprise of passengers and airport staff.
Ahmad Anonimis tweeted about the unusual occurrence, adding three skull emojis to convey the absurdity of the situation. As the raccoon scurried around the terminal, chaos ensued, with people screaming and an alarm blaring. A man in a green jacket tried to catch the animal in a transparent trash can, as shown in the video.
The Port Authority confirmed that the raccoon was captured between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and was later released outside the terminal. They also mentioned that they were inspecting the building to prevent any future incidents involving raccoons. Spirit Airlines stated that they are working with a professional wildlife control company to address the matter.
It is still unclear how the raccoon managed to enter the airport and whether it had any intentions of catching a flight. LaGuardia Airport underwent a major renovation that was completed in 2023, transforming it into one of the best airports in the country. However, the Marine Air Terminal, also known as Terminal A, was not included in the renovation project. Despite its small size and limited number of gates, the terminal remains a city landmark with historical significance.
The raccoon incident at LaGuardia Airport’s Spirit Airlines gate may have caused a temporary disruption, but it certainly added a memorable moment to the travel experiences of those present. The unexpected appearance of the raccoon serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the need for proper measures to ensure the safety and security of passengers and airport personnel. Travelers passing through Terminal A can now share a unique story of their encounter with a furry stowaway at one of New York City’s most iconic airports.
