An Amazon Prime Air cargo flight veered off a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, colliding with multiple vehicles and erupting into flames. The incident, which sent thick black smoke into the sky, forced the temporary closure of all runways at one of the nation's busiest travel hubs.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the aircraft, arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, overran the runway at approximately 2 p.m. local time. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded in force, with more than 60 crews arriving to find the plane engulfed in fire. Officials have not yet released details on injuries or fatalities.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the FAA is dispatching investigators and issued a full ground stop at Miami International as emergency crews worked to contain the situation. The ground stop affected both arrivals and departures, leading to significant disruptions for travelers.
Images from the scene show the aircraft resting on its belly near a roadway, close to two semi-trucks. Despite the fire, the plane appeared largely intact. The airport spokesperson confirmed that all runways and taxiways were closed, and by late afternoon, FlightAware data indicated that around 250 flights had been delayed.
The FAA warned that delays would likely persist even after the airport reopens, with operations expected to resume at a reduced rate. The National Transportation Safety Board said it is gathering information about the crash, which will likely be the focus of a thorough investigation.
The incident raises questions about cargo aviation safety and the rapid expansion of Amazon's air freight operations. This is not the first time the company's logistics network has faced scrutiny; earlier this year, the FTC and 22 states sued Amazon over alleged anticompetitive practices in its advertising business. While that case is separate, it underscores the regulatory and operational pressures on the e-commerce giant.
Amazon has not yet responded to requests for comment. The company's Prime Air division has grown rapidly, with drone delivery expanding to nearly 500 cities, but this crash highlights the risks inherent in high-volume cargo operations.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials are working to determine the cause of the overrun, and the NTSB will lead the investigation. Meanwhile, passengers and airlines face continued uncertainty as the airport gradually restores full operations. The FAA has advised travelers to check with their carriers for the latest flight status.
