Amazon Pauses 21 Air Operations After Fatal Miami Runway Crash

E-commerce giant Amazon has suspended its logistics partnership with cargo airline 21 Air following a fatal crash at Miami International Airport that left five ground workers dead and five others injured.

The decision affects Flight 7598’s operator, a North Carolina-based all-cargo carrier that has flown packages for Amazon since 2024 and also conducts air freight operations for DHL.

"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. Safety has always been our top priority, whether in our own operations or when we're working with partners. We'll continue working to support the investigation and everyone affected," Kelly Nantel, spokesperson, Amazon, said in an official statement.

The fatal accident occurred over Labor Day weekend on Sept. 6, when a Boeing 767-300 freighter departing from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, overshot the runway upon landing in Miami. Loaded with packages, including shipments of contact lenses, the aircraft careened roughly 396 m past the paved surface before crashing into a van carrying employees of an airline cleaning company.

Miami authorities identified the five fatalities—all occupants of the van—as Rolando Aleman, 55; Yoel Rodriguez, 53; Julio C Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta, 53; and Javierkys Reyes, 47. Five additional people sustained injuries during the collision.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the root cause of the crash. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy described the crash site as a scene of "utter devastation."

Preliminary data released by the NTSB on Sept. 9 indicates that the cockpit voice recorder captured significant operational anomalies during the approach and touchdown. Flight recordings revealed that one pilot repeatedly warned the other about the aircraft's excessive speed both on final approach and after touching down. Investigators noted that there was no consistent verbal response to these warnings, even as an automated altitude alarm sounded. The aircraft also emitted a series of electronic warnings alerting the crew to rapid descent rates and approaching terrain.

Additionally, NTSB findings indicate the 32-year-old aircraft touched down well past its designated landing mark on the runway, significantly reducing the remaining distance available to bring the jet to a complete stop. Investigators are examining whether a tailwind combined with stormy weather conditions further propelled the plane off the runway.

According to flight-tracking data from Flightradar24, the Boeing jet was originally built as a passenger airliner, flying for foreign carriers for more than two decades before undergoing a freight conversion in 2015.

Industry analytics firm Cirium shows that 21 Air operates an all-leased fleet of 18 aircraft, comprising 13 Boeing 767s and five Boeing 757s. At least six of these aircraft are leased from Amazon affiliates, while at least three are leased from DHL.

While 21 Air expressed condolences and reaffirmed confidence in its operations, it remains unclear whether the carrier will lose additional business during the investigation.

"Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the appropriate authorities, and ensuring that accurate and verified information is communicated as it becomes available," Keith Winters, Chief Executive Officer, 21 Air, said in a statement.

In a subsequent company statement, 21 Air added: "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. We are confident in our safety policies, procedures and training."

Other key logistics partners are currently evaluating their ties to the carrier. DHL spokesman Robert Mintz declined to comment on whether the package hauler would maintain its contract with 21 Air, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing probe.

"DHL continually assesses its network and relationships with service providers to ensure we meet the needs of our customers and our operational requirements," Mintz said.