The United States Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, announced on Sunday a temporary halt on flights headed to Miami International Airport (MIA) as emergency teams assessed the aftermath of a cargo plane accident involving Amazon Prime Air.
"We have initiated a complete ground stop at Miami International Airport while first responders evaluate the scene following an incident where an Amazon cargo aircraft veered off the runway," Duffy stated on his official X account.
A ground stop is an air traffic control measure that temporarily prevents affected flights from proceeding to the airport during an ongoing emergency.
Duffy also cautioned travelers to anticipate significant disruptions while the measure is in effect.
"If you're traveling in the area, please prepare for substantial delays and potential cancellations," he advised.
The Secretary further confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will dispatch inspectors to investigate the cause of the incident.
The FAA reported on Sunday that 21 Air flight 7598 overshot the runway after landing at Miami International Airport around 2:00 p.m. local time.
The aircraft, a Boeing 767-300 cargo jet, had taken off from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
"The FAA will investigate," the federal agency stated, recommending direct contact with the airline for more details.
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Key Details About the Miami Airport Flight Suspension
What caused the suspension of flights to Miami International Airport?
Flights were suspended due to a cargo plane accident involving an Amazon Prime Air aircraft that veered off the runway.
What should travelers expect during the ground stop at Miami International Airport?
Travelers should prepare for major delays and possible flight cancellations while the ground stop is in effect.
What steps is the FAA taking in response to the incident?
The FAA is sending inspectors to investigate the circumstances surrounding the cargo plane accident.