On Monday morning, Miami International Airport (MIA) was engulfed in operational chaos as hundreds of flights faced delays or cancellations. This disruption followed a tragic incident involving an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane that veered off the runway, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, according to reports from El Nuevo Herald.
The accident occurred on Sunday around 2:00 p.m. The aircraft involved was flight 7598 operated by 21 Air, a Boeing 767-300 arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The plane overshot the diagonal runway upon landing, collided with several vehicles, and ignited a massive blaze.
The official toll stands at five fatalities and five injuries, with three individuals in critical condition. Among the critically injured are the plane's two pilots, who were trapped during rescue operations.
Emergency Response and Operational Impact
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed approximately 60 units to tackle what was described as a "very complex" fire. Authorities initially closed all runways and taxiways, while U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy temporarily halted flights bound for Miami.
By Sunday afternoon, two of the four runways had reopened, but the operational recovery has been slow and challenging for thousands of travelers. This disruption coincided with the busy Labor Day weekend, celebrated on the first Monday of September.
Flight Delays and Passenger Struggles
Flight tracking data revealed around 150 cancellations out of 957 scheduled flights on Monday, with arrival delays averaging up to 145 minutes. Other sources reported over 160 cancellations and nearly 325 accumulated delays since Sunday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintained a ground delay program, with average holdups reaching up to 384 minutes due to the disabled aircraft on the runway.
Limited availability of nearby hotel rooms forced many passengers to spend the night at the airport. "I haven't slept at all. People are sleeping on benches, on the floor," shared Indy Council, one of the stranded travelers.
Some passengers couldn't secure alternative flights until Tuesday. "It was delayed about three times and then finally canceled, so our next option is not until Tuesday," said Marah Edwardo, who planned to fly to North Carolina.
Others faced similar setbacks. "I initially had a reservation with United, which was canceled, so I switched to American... I was in line for a while, and now my second flight has also been canceled," explained Polina Radchenkova.
Airline and Authority Responses
As passengers waited in long lines to reschedule their itineraries, airport staff distributed water bottles. American Airlines has announced fee waivers for passengers traveling to, from, or through MIA as normal operations resume. Authorities advise contacting airlines directly before heading to the airport.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the crash. Preliminary findings suggest adverse weather conditions, potential hydroplaning, and brake system failures as contributing factors. The NTSB has scheduled a press conference for Monday to provide initial technical details about the incident.
FAQs on the Miami Airport Incident
What caused the Amazon cargo plane accident at Miami Airport?
The accident was caused when the Amazon Prime Air cargo plane overshot the runway, collided with vehicles, and caught fire. Preliminary investigations suggest adverse weather, hydroplaning, and brake failures may have contributed.
How many flights were affected by the Miami Airport incident?
Approximately 150 flights were canceled and many others delayed, with delays averaging up to 145 minutes. Since the incident, over 160 cancellations and nearly 325 delays have been reported.
What measures are airlines taking for affected passengers?
American Airlines is waiving certain fees for passengers traveling through Miami International Airport during the recovery period. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines directly for updates.