According to FreightWaves, Amazon has temporarily suspended operations with contract carrier 21 Air following a September 6, 2026 runway overrun at Miami International Airport that killed five people and injured several others.
Safety pause follows fatal accident
The incident involved Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-300 converted freighter operated by 21 Air under contract for Amazon. National Transportation Safety Board data showed the aircraft touched down a half mile beyond the runway aiming markings at 158 knots, applied brakes at 146 knots, and exited the runway at 96 knots. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel confirmed the pause, stating:
“Safety has always been our top priority, whether in our own operations or when we’re working with partners. 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. We’ll continue working to support the investigation and everyone affected.” — Kelly Nantel, Amazon spokesperson
Operational impact expected to be minimal
Although 21 Air had been flying for Amazon since mid-2024 and operated seven 767-300s for the retailer, an unnamed Amazon source told FreightWaves the pause will have little, if any, impact on customers. The company expects its existing logistics staff and partner carriers to absorb the capacity gap. Two cargo airline executives cited ABX Air and Air Transport International—both owned by Air Transport Services Group—as likely fill-ins, given their existing fleets of Boeing 767 cargo jets serving Amazon.
Peak season timing and regulatory hurdles loom
A former Amazon logistics executive warned that replacing 21 Air’s capacity before the late October start of peak shipping season could prove difficult. Pilots at cargo airlines are already flying more hours per day during busy periods, limiting surge capacity even if aircraft were available. Aviation experts noted that transferring the leased aircraft to another carrier would require nearly a year due to regulatory licensing and pilot hiring/training requirements. Meanwhile, 21 Air continues operating four Boeing 757s and five 767s for DHL Express, though DHL did not respond to queries about reassessing that relationship.
Source: FreightWaves
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
