Two of Miami International Airport's four runways remain out of service following a deadly Amazon cargo plane crash, as the airport warns of continued operational disruptions for travelers.
The airport announced on social platform X that passengers should expect ongoing impacts because aircraft and flight crews have been delayed or canceled over the past several days. Officials urged travelers to check directly with their airlines for flight status updates before heading to the airport.
The crash occurred on Sunday when the cargo plane overran a runway, struck multiple vehicles, and caught fire. The incident triggered a massive emergency response, a temporary ground stop, and widespread flight cancellations and delays.
Five people were killed and five others were injured in the accident, according to officials. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration are leading the investigation.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described the crash scene as "devastating," underscoring the severity of the incident. The NTSB has deployed a team to Miami to gather evidence and determine the cause of the runway overrun.
Initially, all four runways at the airport were closed, but two have since reopened. However, the airport cautioned that operations remain affected due to the ongoing investigation and the ripple effects on flight crews and aircraft positioning.
The crash has raised broader concerns about aviation safety and cargo operations. In related news, the fatal Amazon cargo plane crash has drawn attention to the risks faced by cargo carriers, which often operate under tight schedules. Meanwhile, the shutdown of runways at Miami airport highlights the logistical challenges airports face when responding to major incidents.
Investigators will examine factors such as weather, mechanical issues, and pilot decisions leading up to the crash. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks.
For passengers, the airport advises checking with airlines for the latest updates. The full recovery of normal operations may take several days as investigators work at the scene and airlines reposition aircraft and crews.
This incident adds to a series of aviation accidents this year, including a deadly plane crash in the Bahamas that killed four family members. It also comes amid broader scrutiny of Amazon's logistics network, which has faced regulatory and legal challenges, such as the recent FTC lawsuit over advertising practices.
