Amazon announced Sunday it is pausing all operations with cargo carrier 21 Air following a fatal crash at Miami International Airport last week. The decision comes after a 21 Air Boeing 767-300 overran the runway during landing on September 6, killing five people and injuring five others.
Amazon’s response and immediate actions
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated the company reviewed the circumstances surrounding the crash before suspending its partnership with 21 Air. “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,” Nantel said. The company confirmed it would redirect shipments previously handled by 21 Air to other carriers, including Sun Country Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Transport International, ABX Air, ASL Airlines, and Cargojet.
Details of the crash and investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that Prime Air Flight 7598 overran the runway while landing at Miami International Airport around 2 p.m. ET on September 6. The aircraft had departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, earlier that day. The plane traveled approximately 1,300 feet (396 meters) past the runway’s end before striking a van carrying workers from a plane cleaning company. All five fatalities occurred in the van, while five others sustained injuries.
21 Air’s response and safety assurances
21 Air, a North Carolina-based cargo carrier specializing in shipments to and from Mexico, issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety and cooperation with investigators. “We are confident in our safety policies, procedures and training,” the company stated. CEO Keith Winters expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, adding, “Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities, and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available.”
The company confirmed it is working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other partners, including Amazon, as the investigation continues. 21 Air did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Amazon’s suspension of operations.
Regulatory and operational context
The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation into the crash, with preliminary reports focusing on runway conditions, weather, and pilot actions during the landing. Miami International Airport officials have not indicated any immediate changes to runway operations, though the incident has prompted heightened scrutiny of cargo flight safety protocols.
Amazon has not disclosed whether the suspension of 21 Air’s operations is temporary or permanent, stating only that it will continue to support the investigation and affected parties.