Amazon pauses 21 Air operations after fatal Miami runway overrun

Amazon has suspended operations with cargo carrier 21 Air after the fatal Boeing 767 runway overrun at Miami International Airport. The decision removes 21 Air, at least temporarily, from the group of independent airlines that operate aircraft for Amazon Air.

Amazon confirmed the move in an official update on the Miami accident on 13 September.

“Safety has always been our top priority, whether in our own operations or when we’re working with partners,” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said.

“After the tragic incident last weekend, we’ve spent time supporting the investigation and reviewing some of the surrounding circumstances, and we’ve decided to pause our operations with 21 Air, the operator of Flight 7598. We’ll continue working to support the investigation and everyone affected.”

Amazon did not say how long the suspension would last or whether it would transfer the capacity 21 Air previously provided to other operators.

Five killed in Miami runway overrun

The decision follows the 6 September accident involving 21 Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-300 freighter operating for Amazon Air from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami. After landing, the aircraft overran Runway 30 and struck vehicles beyond the airport’s perimeter. Five people were killed on the ground, and five others were injured.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recovered the flight data recorders (FDR) and cockpit voice recorders (CVR) from the aircraft. FDR data indicates the aircraft touched down at 158 knots. The NTSB data indicates the wheel brakes were applied, but neither the speed brakes nor the thrust reversers seem to have deployed.

Data also showed the throttles were increased to a setting consistent with a possible go-around shortly before the recording ended. The NTSB has not yet determined the probable cause of the accident.

Amazon Air flights are operated by other airlines

While 21 Air is suspended, other contracted carriers continue to operate flights across the Amazon Air Cargo network.

Amazon Air Cargo is an indirect air carrier, with partner airlines operating its flights and providing flight crews. Operators have included Air Transport International (ATI), ABX Air, 21 Air, Sun Country Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Cargojet, ASL Airlines and Quickjet.

Amazon says its wider air network now includes more than 100 aircraft operating more than 250 flights a day across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Asia.

21 Air remains confident in its safety procedures

21 Air began carrying Amazon packages in 2024. It also operates cargo flights for other customers, including DHL.

The company says it is supporting victims and collaborating with the accident investigation, while expressing confidence in its safety culture.

“We remain focused on supporting the families and loved ones who were impacted by this accident, as well as working closely with the NTSB and all our partners, like Amazon, as the investigation continues,” the carrier said in a statement reported by Reuters. “We are confident in our safety policies, procedures and training.”

Amazon has not said whether its relationship with 21 Air will resume after the investigation or its own review is completed.