Miami International Airport (MIA) is experiencing major disruptions as dozens of flights are delayed or canceled following the crash of an Amazon cargo plane that killed five people over the weekend.
Why it matters: The crash has led to extensive operational challenges at MIA, affecting travel across the U.S. as well. The impact is felt not just locally but also at other airports as flights are diverted.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 42 flights were canceled and about 200 were delayed at MIA, according to FlightAware.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that departures from MIA are delayed an average of 2 hours and 11 minutes.
Flights continue to be diverted to nearby airports such as Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, and Orlando.
Driving the news: The situation escalated after an Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 overshot its landing and crashed into several parked cars before catching fire on Sunday. All flights were halted immediately following the incident.
Investigators have been on-site since the crash, assessing the situation and working to clear the runways.
By 5 p.m. on Sunday, two of the airport's four runways were reopened, but two remain closed as investigations continue.
American Airlines, Southwest, Delta, and United are among the airlines affected by the cancellations.
State of play: Miami International Airport has been reported as the U.S. airport with the highest number of disruptions. On Tuesday alone, there were at least 709 flight delays and 110 cancellations across the country.
MIA accounted for 70 delays and 42 cancellations, leading all U.S. airports in disruptions.
American Airlines experienced the most issues among U.S. carriers, with 75 delays and 31 cancellations on Tuesday.
The FAA attributed some of the widespread disruptions to thunderstorms impacting central and south Florida airports.
The big picture: The crash and its aftermath highlight the fragility of air travel, particularly during peak travel times like Labor Day. The FAA continues to monitor conditions closely.
Travelers are advised to check their flight status regularly, especially if connecting through busy airports.
Experts recommend keeping essentials in carry-ons and reviewing airline policies for cancellations or delays.
Thunderstorms are expected to continue causing issues in several major cities, including Miami, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Houston, and Denver.
What they're saying: Following the crash, officials are urging travelers to remain patient and stay informed.
"We understand the frustration this has caused for travelers, and we’re working diligently to restore normal operations," said Greg Chin, communications director for Miami-Dade County Aviation Department.
Passengers are encouraged to use mobile apps for real-time updates and to enable notifications for gate changes, delays, and cancellations.
By the numbers: The scale of the disruptions is notable, with Miami International Airport being a focal point.
709 total flight delays across U.S. airports on Tuesday.
110 total flight cancellations nationwide, with MIA reporting 42 of those.
Average departure delay of 2 hours and 11 minutes at MIA.
What's next: As investigations continue, MIA is working to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
Passengers should expect continued delays and cancellations as the airport assesses the situation.
The FAA will provide updates on any changes to flight operations as conditions evolve.
Travelers are advised to keep checking their flight status and stay in touch with their airlines for the latest information.