Business 15 sources · today Latest coverage 14 Sept 2026, 0:46 pm UTC

Amazon Suspends Cargo Operations With 21 Air After Fatal Miami Plane Crash

Amazon paused its partnership with 21 Air after a Miami cargo plane crash killed five, raising questions about air cargo safety and ongoing investigations.

By Fatima Al-Rashid · First published 14 Sept 2026

In brief

  1. A cargo plane operated by 21 Air crashed at Miami International Airport on September 6, 2026, resulting in five deaths.
  2. The aircraft overshot the runway by about 1,300 feet and struck a van carrying workers from a plane cleaning company.
  3. Amazon announced on September 14, 2026, that it would suspend all operations with 21 Air pending investigation results.
  4. Authorities and the National Transportation Safety Board are actively investigating the cause of the crash and related safety practices.
  5. Amazon had worked with North Carolina-based 21 Air since 2024, making this a significant disruption to its logistics network.
Amazon Suspends Cargo Operations With 21 Air After Fatal Miami Plane Crash
Source: CBC News

Timeline · 5 moments

5 moments Open the full timeline →

21 Air cargo plane crashes on landing in Miami, kills five

ABC News ↗

Plane overshoots runway, strikes van with workers, catches fire

CBC News ↗

Authorities begin investigation into cause of Miami runway crash

Supply Chain Italy ↗

Amazon announces suspension of operations with 21 Air

Bloomberg Technology ↗

Amazon focuses on supporting affected families and investigation

NPR News ↗

How it started

The story began on September 6, 2026, when a Boeing 767 cargo plane operated by 21 Air crashed while landing at Miami International Airport. The plane, carrying Amazon packages, overshot the runway during its final approach. The aircraft barreled roughly 1,300 feet past the end of the runway and collided with a van carrying workers from a plane cleaning company.

Five people were killed in the crash, including those in the van. The plane also caught fire after the collision, further complicating rescue efforts. This tragic event immediately drew the attention of federal investigators and Amazon, which relies heavily on air cargo for its logistics operations.

How it unfolded

After the crash on September 6, emergency crews responded quickly to the scene at Miami International Airport. The severity of the incident became clear as news emerged of the five fatalities and the destruction caused by the plane running off the runway and hitting ground vehicles.

In the days that followed, authorities launched an investigation to determine what led the aircraft to overrun the runway. The National Transportation Safety Board began collecting evidence, including flight data and witness statements, to piece together the sequence of events.

Reports emerged that 21 Air, based in North Carolina, had been flying Amazon packages since 2024. The crash not only raised questions about the specific flight but also about the carrier's overall safety record. Some concerns were voiced about 21 Air's history, though details remain under investigation.

On September 14, Amazon publicly announced it was suspending its partnership with 21 Air. The company stated it was focusing on supporting the affected families and cooperating with investigators.

Where it stands

Amazon's suspension of operations with 21 Air remains in effect as the investigation continues. The decision has disrupted Amazon's air cargo logistics, given the carrier's role since 2024.

The National Transportation Safety Board and other authorities are still examining the cause of the crash. Amazon has committed to supporting both the ongoing investigation and the families of those killed in the incident.

What to watch

Key questions remain about what caused the plane to overrun the runway and whether there were any safety lapses by 21 Air. The results of the federal investigation will likely determine whether Amazon resumes its relationship with the carrier or if further changes to its logistics partners are needed.

Written from 15 outlets' coverage of this story. Every timeline entry links to the original report.

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